Cannabis, THC, CBD & Hemp Regulations in Mozambique: Complete 2026 Guide
Last updated: September 2026
Mozambique 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 Lei n.º 3/97 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 Cannabis sativa is prohibited
- Personal possession: Criminal offence
The principal legal instrument is Lei n.º 3/97 de 13 de Março (Law No. 3/97 of 13 March 1997), which establishes the legal regime applicable to the trafficking and consumption of narcotics, psychotropic substances, precursors and similar substances. It also created the Gabinete Central de Prevenção e Combate à Droga (GCPCD). Cannabis (locally known as suruma) is treated under absolute prohibition. Despite occasional proposals over the years to reform the law toward personal-use decriminalisation or medicinal access, and a formal review process of Lei 3/97 that began in late 2025, no such reform has taken effect as of September 2026.
Recreational Cannabis: Complete Prohibition
Possession, use, cultivation and sale of cannabis are criminal offences. The anti-drug law treats consumption as absolutely prohibited. Although cannabis is widely grown and used in some rural areas, this does not make possession legal or safe. There is no adult-use market and no personal-use exemption.
Medical Cannabis and Scientific Use
Mozambique does not operate a public medical cannabis programme. The Autoridade Reguladora do Medicamento (ARMED) has not authorised cannabis-based or CBD medicines. There is no system for patient registration, authorised prescriptions or licensed production. Foreign medical prescriptions have no legal recognition.
THC, CBD and Hemp Status
Mozambican law does not create separate categories for high-THC cannabis, CBD-dominant products or industrial hemp. Lei 3/97 does not exempt cannabidiol, and no low-THC threshold is recognised.
- CBD: Illegal for retail and personal use. ARMED has not authorised consumer or pharmaceutical CBD products. Pharmacies in Maputo, Beira and Pemba do not stock CBD oils or topicals. Customs at Maputo International Airport seize commercial and personal CBD shipments. Travellers from South Africa (where CBD is more openly available under SAHPRA rules) should not assume cross-border tolerance.
- Industrial hemp: Illegal. There is no licensing system for cultivation, processing or seed trade. Hemp products on the market, if any, are imported rather than grown domestically under a legal framework.
Products that are legal in other countries remain prohibited in Mozambique.
Penalties for Violations
Penalties under Lei 3/97 and related enforcement practice are significant:
- Possession or use of even small personal amounts: fine or up to about six months in prison.
- Large-scale cultivation, trafficking or sale: multi-year imprisonment (commonly cited from two years upward). Trafficking offences can attract very severe sentences, with reports of mandatory minimum terms in the range of 16 years in some contexts for serious drug trafficking.
Government travel advisories warn that drug penalties are generally severe, with jail sentences and heavy fines, and note reports of arbitrary arrest and police mistreatment in drug-related cases. Repeat offenders and those linked to organised networks face harsher treatment.
Practical Reality for Travellers and Residents
Bringing cannabis, CBD products or any related material into Mozambique — 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.
Although informal cultivation and use occur in some rural areas, the formal legal position is absolute prohibition. Travellers should assume zero tolerance and exercise particular caution at borders and airports.
Comparison with Neighbouring Countries (2026 Snapshot)
| Country | Recreational | Medical | CBD / Hemp Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | Illegal | Illegal | No distinction; CBD treated as cannabis |
| South Africa | Private adult use legal (limited) | Limited framework | CBD available under dosage rules |
| Zimbabwe | Illegal | Licensed medical/industrial | Licensed pathway exists |
| Malawi | Illegal | Licensed medical/industrial | Licensed pathway exists |
| Tanzania | Illegal | Illegal (narrow exceptions possible) | Strict prohibition |
| Ghana | Illegal | Licensed (≤ 0.3% THC) | Licensed low-THC medical & industrial pathway |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is weed legal in Mozambique in 2026?
No. Cannabis (suruma) is illegal under absolute prohibition pursuant to Lei 3/97. There is no medical or recreational programme.
Is CBD legal in Mozambique?
No. CBD is not exempted under Lei 3/97. ARMED has not authorised CBD products, and imports are seized at customs. There is no low-THC threshold.
Can I grow industrial hemp in Mozambique?
No. There is no dedicated industrial-hemp regime or licensing system. Cultivation of Cannabis sativa remains prohibited.
What are the penalties for possession?
Even small personal amounts can attract a fine or up to about six months in prison. Trafficking and large-scale cultivation/sale carry multi-year sentences that can be very severe.
Do foreign medical prescriptions work?
No. Foreign prescriptions for cannabis or CBD products are not recognised.
Conclusion and Outlook for 2026–2027
As of September 2026 Mozambique continues to enforce a comprehensive prohibition on cannabis, THC, CBD and hemp under Lei n.º 3/97. No medical, scientific or industrial licensing pathway has been introduced. A formal review of the 1997 narcotics law began in late 2025 with the involvement of the GCPCD, regional partners and the European Union, but no reform has yet entered into force. Cannabis remains fully prohibited.
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 Mozambican lawyer. Always verify the latest position with official authorities (GCPCD, ARMED, Ministério da Saúde), as the ongoing legislative review could eventually produce changes.
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 Mozambique.