Cannabis use in Africa varies a lot. Attitudes and laws about it can be progressive or prohibitive. While South Africa and Morocco move toward legalization, Madagascar stays strict. Starting in 2025, cannabis will be completely illegal in Madagascar. This ban applies to recreational, medical, and industrial uses.
Is Cannabis Legal in Madagascar? Legal Status in 2025
No, cannabis is not legal in Madagascar. The country follows strict anti-drug laws inherited from French colonial rule. Even in 2025, possessing, selling, or growing cannabis can lead to fines or jail time. Madagascar, unlike Canada or Thailand, has not legalized cannabis for any use.
1. Recreational Use
Recreational cannabis is completely banned. Using cannabis for fun is illegal, and police actively punish offenders. A 2023 UN report found that 12% of drug arrests in Madagascar involve cannabis.
2. Medicinal Use
Madagascar does not allow medical cannabis. Some countries use cannabis for pain and epilepsy treatment, but Malagasy laws overlook these benefits. Patients relying on cannabis for health reasons risk legal trouble.
3. Industrial Use
Industrial hemp (a non-drug cannabis plant) is also illegal. Hemp can create eco-friendly items like paper and clothing. But, the government of Madagascar worries that someone could misuse it.
Cannabis Law and Control in Madagascar
1. How Madagascar Applies Cannabis Laws
Police and courts enforce cannabis laws with strict measures. For example, in 2024, law enforcement arrested over 1,200 people for cannabis-related crimes. The Anti-Drug Brigade is a special police unit. It works to stop the drug trade in cities such as Antananarivo and Toamasina.
2. The Illegal Cannabis Market
Despite bans, the illegal cannabis market thrives. A 2025 study estimated that 8% of Malagasy adults buy cannabis secretly. Dealers often hide drugs in food shipments or fishing boats to avoid detection.
Cannabis Usage and Its Impact in Madagascar
1. Recreational Drug Use
Cannabis is the second-most-used drug in Madagascar after alcohol. Young adults in rural areas often smoke cannabis at parties. However, this puts them at risk of arrest or health issues.
2. Mental Health Concerns
Heavy cannabis use can harm mental health. Doctors in Madagascar say that 15% of patients with anxiety or paranoia use cannabis regularly. Without proper education, users may not understand these risks.
3. Industrial Cannabis Use
Madagascar misses a chance at a $500 million global hemp market because industrial hemp is illegal. Farmers can grow hemp to help the economy, but old laws stop this opportunity.
Cannabis Cultivation in Madagascar
Cannabis plants grow wild in Madagascar’s tropical climate. However, farming cannabis for any purpose is illegal. Police destroy thousands of cannabis plants yearly. In 2024, authorities burned over 5 tons of cannabis in the Sofia region.
Cannabis Penalties in Madagascar
| Offense | Penalty |
| Personal Use | Up to 1 year in jail or a $300 fine. |
| Trafficking | Selling cannabis can lead to 10–20 years in prison. |
| Growing | Farmers face up to 10 years in jail. |
Future of Cannabis Legalization in Madagascar
Madagascar’s government shows no signs of legalizing cannabis. Activists argue that regulating cannabis could reduce crime and help the economy. If neighboring countries like Mozambique legalize it, Madagascar might reconsider. For now, the laws stay strict.
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