Comoros is a small island nation off Africa’s east coast. In the 1970s, it legalized cannabis for three years. Did you know that? Today, cannabis remains a key part of the country’s culture and underground economy, despite strict laws.
By 2025, Comoros will continue to ban all cannabis types: recreational, medical, and industrial. Penalties include fines and imprisonment.
Is Cannabis Legal in Comoros? Legal Status in 2025
No. Cannabis is illegal in Comoros. This includes medical, recreational, and industrial use. The country’s laws strictly prohibit possession, cultivation, and distribution.
Between 1975 and 1978, cannabis was briefly legal under President Ali Soilih. This time marked a unique chapter in its history.
Current policies follow global drug treaties, so no legal reforms are expected soon.
1. Recreational Use
Recreational cannabis is illegal. Possession of any amount can lead to fines or jail time. Public consumption is banned, and police confiscate cannabis in public spaces with determination. Young people still use it a lot. This is partly because enforcement is weak in rural areas.
2. Medicinal Use
Medical cannabis is also prohibited. Comoros lacks a program to prescribe cannabis-based treatments, unlike Colombia or Germany. Discussions about its pain relief and mental health benefits have begun, but no legal changes have occurred.
2. Industrial Use
Industrial hemp (low-THC cannabis) is illegal. Comoros hasn’t entered the global hemp market for textiles or biofuels. This means it misses out on the economic opportunities that countries like Malawi and Morocco have taken.
H2: Cannabis Usage and Its Impact in Comoros
1. Recreational Drug Use
Cannabis use is common despite laws. It’s often linked to social gatherings and traditional rituals. Cannabis smuggled from Madagascar and Tanzania is flooding local markets. Authorities estimate that 60% of the supply comes from these routes.
2. Mental Health Concerns
No official studies exist on cannabis-related mental health issues. Public health campaigns focus on general drug risks, but stigma prevents open discussions. Limited healthcare access complicates addressing addiction.
3. Industrial Cannabis Use
No legal framework exists for industrial cannabis. Illegal farms sometimes grow low-quality cannabis for local use. But, most products come from illegal imports.
Cannabis Cultivation in Comoros
Growing cannabis is illegal and punishable by law. Small-scale illegal farms operate in remote areas, but authorities destroy the crops regularly.
Comoros has strict penalties for even small-scale growers. This differs from countries like Colombia, where it allows personal cultivation.
Cannabis Law in Comoros and Control
1. How Comoros Enforces Cannabis Laws
Police and gendarmerie enforce drug laws under the Penal Code and Drug Control Act. Offenders face fines, community service, or imprisonment. Public crackdowns occur near tourist areas, but rural enforcement is inconsistent.
2. The Illegal Cannabis Market
The illegal market thrives due to high demand and weak border controls. Smugglers use boats from Madagascar’s Mahajanga and Nosy Be areas. They take advantage of Comoros’ weak coastguard resources. Illegal sales fund gangs but provide income for some locals.
Cannabis Penalties in Comoros
| Offense | Penalty |
| Personal Use | Possession can lead to fines up to $500 or 1-3 months in jail, while public use results in confiscation and fines. |
| Trafficking | Distribution can lead to 5-10 years in prison, depending on the quantity, while smuggling may result in up to 15 years due to links to organized crime. |
| Growing | Cultivation can lead to 3-7 years in prison, even for small home gardens. |
Future of Cannabis Legalization in Comoros
Discussions about medical cannabis have begun, inspired by global trends. But, conservative leadership and international treaty obligations block progress.
A 2024 proposal to study hemp farming failed to gain support. Comoros is still holding back in Africa’s cannabis reform. It lags behind countries like Lesotho and Malawi.
Comoros has some of the strictest cannabis laws in the world. Still, cultural acceptance and smuggling keep the plant thriving.
