Is Cannabis Legal In Mozambique in 2025?
Cannabis is illegal in Mozambique for recreational, medical, and industrial use. The country enforces strict drug laws, and possession, cultivation, or trafficking of cannabis is considered a serious crime. Despite this, cannabis is widely cultivated and used, particularly in rural areas, and law enforcement efforts primarily target large-scale trafficking rather than individual users.
Recreational Use
- Prohibited or Decriminalized?: Recreational cannabis is fully prohibited in Mozambique. Possession and use are considered criminal offenses.
- Penalties: Individuals caught with cannabis can face fines and imprisonment, though penalties vary depending on the quantity. Small amounts may result in warnings or fines, while larger amounts or repeated offenses can lead to lengthy prison sentences.
- Enforcement: Law enforcement is strict in urban areas, particularly in Maputo, but in rural regions, cannabis use and cultivation are more common, with less aggressive policing. However, trafficking and large-scale production are heavily targeted by authorities.
Medical Use
- Legality: Medical cannabis is not legalized or recognized in Mozambique.
- Access: There is no framework for patients to access cannabis for medical purposes, and all cannabis use remains illegal.
Industrial Hemp
- Permitted or Banned: Industrial hemp cultivation is not permitted in Mozambique.
- Regulations: There are no legal frameworks to distinguish hemp from psychoactive cannabis, and all cannabis-related plants remain illegal under current laws.
Cultural Attitudes
Cannabis has a long history of traditional use in Mozambique, particularly in rural areas, where it is sometimes used for medicinal or spiritual purposes. However, the government and legal system strongly oppose cannabis use, and there is significant stigma surrounding its consumption, especially in urban settings. Advocacy for legalization or decriminalization remains minimal.
Penalties and Enforcement
- Possession: Small amounts may lead to fines, warnings, or short jail sentences, but larger amounts can result in significant prison time.
- Trafficking: Cannabis trafficking is treated as a serious offense, with offenders facing harsh prison sentences and heavy fines.
- Cultivation: Growing cannabis is illegal, and those caught cultivating it can face criminal charges and property seizures.
Future Outlook
There is no clear movement toward legalization or decriminalization in Mozambique. While some neighboring countries have begun to explore medical cannabis and industrial hemp, Mozambique has not made any legislative moves in this direction. However, the widespread illicit cultivation suggests that economic incentives could eventually influence policy discussions.
Key Takeaways
- Recreational Cannabis: Fully prohibited, with strict penalties for possession and use.
- Medical Cannabis: Not legalized or accessible.
- Industrial Hemp: Banned, with no legal framework.
- Penalties: Harsh penalties for possession, trafficking, and cultivation.
- Future Potential: Unlikely to see reform in the near future, though economic factors may influence policy over time.
