Ethiopia has over 122 million people. Surprisingly, about 7.1 million of them use cannabis. Cannabis, known locally as dagga or bhang, has deep historical roots and cultural importance. Still, it is strictly illegal here.
Is Cannabis Legal in Ethiopia? Legal Status in 2025
No, cannabis is illegal in Ethiopia for all purposes, including recreational, medical, and industrial use. The country has some of the strictest laws in Africa.
It imposes harsh penalties for possession, sale, or cultivation. Ethiopia has a long history of cannabis use. Traces of the plant were found in 14th-century pipes. But, modern laws focus on prohibition instead of reform.
1. Recreational Use
Recreational cannabis is fully banned. Even small amounts can lead to arrest, fines, or imprisonment. Despite this, usage is widespread, especially among young adults. For example, Addis Ababa’s Rastafarian communities often use cannabis in spiritual practices, but this offers no legal protection.
2. Medicinal Use
Medical cannabis is not legal. Ethiopia has no programs for prescribing or researching cannabis-based treatments. While global debates about medical marijuana grow, Ethiopia’s government shows no interest in changing its stance.
3. Industrial Use
Industrial hemp (non-psychoactive cannabis) is also illegal. Unlike countries that distinguish hemp from marijuana, Ethiopia treats both as the same under the law. This blocks opportunities for hemp-based industries like textiles or biofuels.
Cannabis Usage and Its Impact in Ethiopia
1. Recreational Drug Use
Around 6% of Ethiopians use cannabis, driven by cultural traditions and accessibility in regions like Shashamane. However, stigma persists, with many linking weed to crime or poverty.
2. Mental Health Concerns
While data is limited, experts warn that unregulated use could worsen mental health issues like anxiety or addiction. Ethiopia’s lack of harm-reduction programs leaves users vulnerable.
3. Industrial Cannabis Use
Without legal hemp, Ethiopia misses out on a potential $10 billion market that could create jobs and boost agriculture. Neighboring countries like Kenya and Uganda are exploring hemp, but Ethiopia remains resistant.
H2: Cannabis Cultivation in Ethiopia
Cannabis is grown illegally, primarily in Shashamane, a Rastafarian hub. Farmers here grow strains like Shashamane Sativa, known for its energizing effects. However, police regularly destroy crops—in 2019, they raided 17 acres of cannabis fields.
Cannabis Law in Ethiopia and Control
1. How Ethiopia Enforces Cannabis Laws
The Federal Police Counter-Narcotic Division leads crackdowns, conducting border checks and raids. Penalties are severe on paper, but corruption sometimes leads to bribes instead of arrests.
2. The Illegal Cannabis Market
Despite bans, Ethiopia is a key transit route for cannabis smuggled to Kenya and Asia. Local dealers operate discreetly, often using encrypted apps like Telegram for sales.
Cannabis Penalties in Ethiopia
| Offense | Penalty |
| Personal Use | Possession of cannabis can result in 6 months to 5 years of imprisonment along with fines, while its use is punishable by up to 6 months in jail. |
| Trafficking | Sale or distribution of cannabis is punishable by 5 to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $3,334. |
| Growing | The sale or distribution of cannabis is punishable by 5 to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $3,334. |
Future of Cannabis Legalization in Ethiopia
Ethiopia shows no signs of legalizing cannabis soon. The government sees it as a threat to public health. It also blames it for problems like unemployment. Activists point out its economic potential, like the $9.8 billion made illegally in 2019. But reforms probably won’t happen until 2030.
Cannabis laws in Ethiopia are clear: avoid it completely. The risks outweigh any cultural or recreational benefits. This is because of strict penalties and a lack of legal loopholes.
Stay informed, stay safe, and keep an eye on global trends—change may come, but not yet.
