Cannabis, THC, CBD & Hemp Regulations in Madagascar: Complete 2026 Guide
Last updated: September 2026
Madagascar maintains a complete prohibition on cannabis and all related substances. There is no recreational market, no medical cannabis programme, and no legal distinction for CBD or industrial hemp. This guide summarises the current legal position under Loi n° 97-039 as of 2026, including penalties, enforcement realities and practical advice for residents and travellers.
Legal Status Overview (2026)
- Recreational cannabis: Fully illegal
- Medical cannabis: Illegal – no public programme or licensing pathway
- CBD products: Illegal – treated as cannabis derivatives with no exemption
- Industrial hemp: No dedicated legal regime; cultivation of the cannabis plant is prohibited
- Personal possession: Criminal offence
The principal legal instrument is Loi n° 97-039 du 4 novembre 1997 on the control of narcotic drugs and precursors. Cannabis and cannabis resin are listed in Table I. Article 9 prohibits the production, trade, transport, possession, acquisition, importation, exportation and transit of Table I substances. Cultivation of the cannabis plant is expressly prohibited. Related instruments include the Public Health Code (Loi n° 2011-002) and decrees listing plants classified as narcotics. The Agence du Médicament de Madagascar (AMM) has not registered any cannabidiol products. No national legalisation, decriminalisation or medical/industrial licensing framework has been enacted as of 2026.
Recreational Cannabis: Complete Prohibition
Possession, use, cultivation, sale, transport, import and export of cannabis (locally known as rongony or zamal) are criminal offences. There is no adult-use market and no personal-use exemption. Despite a substantial illicit market and domestic cultivation, the formal legal position remains absolute prohibition.
Medical Cannabis and Scientific Use
Madagascar does not operate a public medical cannabis programme. There is no system for patient registration, authorised prescriptions or licensed production. Foreign medical prescriptions for cannabis or CBD products have no legal recognition. Even pharmaceutical CBD preparations such as Epidyolex have not been registered by the AMM for use in Madagascar.
THC, CBD and Hemp Status
Madagascan law does not create separate categories for high-THC cannabis, CBD-dominant products or industrial hemp. All forms of the cannabis plant and its derivatives fall under the controls of Loi 97-039.
- CBD: Illegal. There is no exemption or low-THC threshold. The AMM has not authorised CBD products. Imports of CBD oils, tinctures, gummies, cosmetics and similar items are routinely seized by customs (notably at Ivato International Airport) and may trigger criminal charges. Travellers are advised that it is illegal to bring marijuana, cannabis or CBD products or derivatives into Madagascar.
- Industrial hemp: Illegal. Cultivation of the cannabis plant is prohibited. There is no licensing system for fibre, seed or industrial purposes, and no certified-seed framework.
Products that are legal in other countries remain prohibited in Madagascar.
Penalties for Violations
Penalties under Loi 97-039 and related provisions are severe:
- Possession and use: Reported ranges of roughly two months to five years’ imprisonment plus fines (secondary sources cite fines that can reach several million Ariary).
- Trafficking and related commercial offences: Significantly heavier penalties, with reported maxima reaching up to 20 years in serious cases.
US State Department and other government travel advisories describe the penalties as severe. There is no death penalty for these offences (abolished in 2015). Exact application depends on the facts of each case and judicial discretion.
Practical Reality for Travellers and Residents
Bringing cannabis, CBD products or any related material into Madagascar — even if legal or prescribed in another country — carries a high risk of seizure, arrest, prosecution, imprisonment and fines. There is no recognised medical exception for travellers. “Hemp-derived” or “THC-free” labelling provides no legal protection under current law.
Although informal cultivation and use occur, the formal legal position is unambiguous prohibition. Travellers should assume zero tolerance, especially at ports of entry.
Comparison with Neighbouring / Regional Countries (2026 Snapshot)
| Country | Recreational | Medical | CBD / Hemp Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madagascar | Illegal | Illegal | No distinction; CBD treated as cannabis |
| Mauritius | Illegal | Limited / restricted | Mostly prohibitionist |
| Comoros | Illegal | Illegal | Strict prohibition |
| Seychelles | Illegal | Illegal / limited | Strict controls |
| Mozambique | Illegal | Illegal | No distinction; CBD treated as cannabis |
| Ghana | Illegal | Licensed (≤ 0.3% THC) | Licensed low-THC medical & industrial pathway |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is weed legal in Madagascar in 2026?
No. Cannabis is illegal for all purposes under Loi n° 97-039. There is no medical or recreational programme.
Is CBD legal in Madagascar?
No. CBD is not distinguished from other cannabis products. The AMM has not authorised any CBD products, and imports are seized at customs. Even THC-free CBD is treated as prohibited.
Can I grow industrial hemp in Madagascar?
No. Cultivation of the cannabis plant is prohibited. There is no dedicated industrial-hemp regime or certified-seed framework.
What are the penalties for possession?
Possession and use can attract imprisonment of roughly two months to five years plus fines. Trafficking offences carry much heavier penalties (reported up to 20 years in serious cases).
Do foreign medical prescriptions work?
No. Foreign prescriptions for cannabis or CBD products are not recognised, and importation remains prohibited.
Conclusion and Outlook for 2026–2027
As of September 2026 Madagascar continues to enforce a comprehensive prohibition on cannabis, THC, CBD and hemp under Loi n° 97-039 of 1997. No medical, scientific or industrial licensing pathway has been introduced, and the Agence du Médicament de Madagascar has not authorised CBD products. Official policy and customs practice treat all cannabis-derived materials as controlled. There are no credible indications of imminent reform.
Anyone considering travel, research, investment or personal use involving cannabis-related products should treat the legal risk as high and obtain advice from a qualified Malagasy lawyer. Always verify the latest position with official authorities (Ministry of Public Health, AMM, customs), as enforcement practices can be strict, particularly at entry points such as Ivato International Airport.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult official sources and qualified local counsel before taking any action related to controlled substances in Madagascar.