Did you know Lesotho grows more cannabis than almost any country in Africa? A 2023 UN report showed that more than 70% of farmers in rural Lesotho grow cannabis. This crop is a key part of the local economy. But is cannabis legal in Lesotho? The answer isn’t simple.
Is Cannabis Legal in Lesotho? Legal Status in 2025
Cannabis is partially legal in Lesotho. In 2017, the country was the first in Africa to allow cannabis cultivation for medical and scientific use. Recreational use is still illegal. However, industrial hemp and medical cannabis are well-regulated. They are becoming an important part of the economy.
But here’s the catch: If you don’t have a license, growing, selling, or using cannabis can lead to serious penalties.
1. Recreational Use
Using cannabis for fun is illegal in Lesotho. The law says no one can smoke, eat, or have cannabis without a medical license. Studies show that about 20% of adults in Lesotho use cannabis for fun.
This is often linked to cultural traditions. Police can arrest people for having small amounts. However, enforcement is not steady in rural areas.
2. Medicinal Use
Medical cannabis is legal with a license. Doctors can prescribe cannabis-based medicines for conditions like chronic pain, epilepsy, or anxiety.
Licensed farms export most medical cannabis to countries like Israel and Australia. Access is limited in Lesotho. Only 5% of its medical cannabis remains in the country. This is partly because of the high costs.
3. Industrial Use
Industrial hemp is a type of cannabis that has low THC, which is the compound that gets you high. It is legal to use this hemp for making products like rope, clothing, and paper. Since 2020, farmers have grown hemp with government approval. About 12% of cannabis farmland in Lesotho is now for hemp. This shift creates jobs and eco-friendly products.
Cannabis Law and Control in Lesotho
1. How Lesotho Applies Cannabis Laws
Lesotho’s cannabis laws are enforced by police and the Lesotho Narcotics Bureau. Licensed growers have to follow strict rules. They must track every plant. Also, they need to store products in secure facilities. The government also works with international agencies to stop illegal exports. In 2024, authorities seized over 2 tons of illegal cannabis meant for smuggling to South Africa.
2. The Illegal Cannabis Market
Despite medical legalization, the illegal market is huge. Experts say that around 80% of cannabis in Lesotho is sold illegally. This trade makes over $50 million each year.
Many farmers choose to sell to illegal traders. This is often because licensing fees can reach as high as $20,000. This black market fuels crime and makes it harder for legal businesses to succeed.
Cannabis Usage and Its Impact in Lesotho
1. Recreational Drug Use
Cannabis is deeply rooted in Basotho culture, especially in rural villages. A 2024 survey found that 65% of young adults in mountain regions use cannabis socially. Heavy use can lead to health issues like memory loss or lung problems. Schools are now teaching kids about the risks of underage use.
2. Mental Health Concerns
While cannabis can help some medical patients, misuse harms mental health. Lesotho’s health ministry says that 15% of hospital visits for anxiety or paranoia are due to cannabis overuse. Doctors warn that high-THC strains (common in illegal markets) increase these risks.
3. Industrial Cannabis Use
Hemp is changing lives in Lesotho. Over 3,000 farmers now grow hemp legally, earning 40% more than traditional crops. Factories turn hemp into textiles sold worldwide, reducing unemployment. Hemp also uses less water than corn, making it eco-friendly.
Cannabis Cultivation in Lesotho
Lesotho’s climate is perfect for growing cannabis. Mountains, clean water, and sunlight help plants thrive. Legal farms use high-tech greenhouses, while illegal growers hide crops in remote areas. The government aims to turn more illegal farms into legal hemp or medical cannabis. However, it faces high costs and a lack of education.
Cannabis Penalties in Lesotho
| Offense | Penalty |
| Personal Use | Having even one joint can lead to a $500 fine or 6 months in jail. |
| Trafficking | Traffickers can get 10+ years in prison |
| Growing | Growing up without a license risks 5 years in jail. |
Future of Cannabis Legalization in Lesotho
Will Lesotho legalize recreational cannabis? Maybe. The government sees economic potential—legalizing could create 10,000+ jobs by 2030.
However cultural pushback and pressure from anti-drug groups are hurdles. Right now, we are focusing on growing the medical and hemp industries. At the same time, we are working to combat illegal trade.
Lesotho’s cannabis laws are a mix of progress and tradition. Medical and industrial uses are growing fast, but recreational use stays illegal.
As laws evolve, balancing culture, health, and the economy will be key. Stay informed, stay safe, and always follow the rules!
