Did you know that over 158.8 million people worldwide use cannabis each year? While some countries are changing their cannabis laws, others keep strict rules. In Mozambique, a country in Southeast Africa, cannabis is a hot topic.
A 2023 United Nations report shows that Mozambique is one of Africa’s top cannabis producers. But is cannabis legal there? Let us explore the laws, penalties, and future of cannabis in Mozambique.
Is Cannabis Legal in Mozambique? Legal Status in 2025
Cannabis is illegal for recreational use in Mozambique. The country follows strict drug laws under Law No. 3/97, which bans the production, sale, and use of cannabis. However, there are limited exceptions for medical or scientific purposes with government approval.
Mozambique still produces a lot of illegal cannabis in Southern Africa, even with these laws. A 2021 study showed that 70% of cannabis taken in South Africa came from Mozambique.
1. Recreational Use
Recreational cannabis is completely illegal. Using, selling, or carrying small amounts can lead to fines or jail time.
2. Medicinal Use
Medical cannabis is allowed only with special permission from the Ministry of Health. In 2023, Mozambique approved its first medical cannabis research project. However, patient access is still rare.
3. Industrial Use
Industrial hemp (a type of cannabis with low THC) is not legally recognized. Farmers can’t grow hemp for products like textiles or paper without facing penalties.
Cannabis Law and Control in Mozambique
1. How Mozambique Applies Cannabis Laws
Police and courts enforce cannabis laws strictly. In 2022, authorities destroyed over 35 tons of cannabis plants in Cabo Delgado, northern Mozambique. The government also works with international groups like Interpol to stop drug trafficking.
2. The Illegal Cannabis Market
Despite the bans, Mozambique’s illegal cannabis market thrives. The UN estimates that 15,000 farmers secretly grow cannabis. They earn around $200 million each year. Smugglers transport most illegal cannabis to South Africa, where demand is high.
Cannabis Usage and Its Impact in Mozambique
1. Recreational Drug Use
Only 4% of Mozambicans aged 15–64 admit to using cannabis, according to a 2022 national survey. However, usage is higher in rural areas where cannabis grows wild.
2. Mental Health Concerns
Cannabis overuse can harm mental health. Mozambique’s health ministry says 12% of patients in drug treatment programs list cannabis as their main issue.
3. Industrial Cannabis Use
There are no legal industrial cannabis projects in Mozambique right now. However, experts believe that hemp could help improve the country’s economy. A 2024 World Bank report says hemp farming could create jobs for 50,000 people.
Cannabis Cultivation in Mozambique
Cannabis grows easily in Mozambique’s warm climate. Most illegal farms are in rural provinces like Nampula and Zambezia. Farmers often grow cannabis because it is more profitable than crops like corn or beans. A single cannabis plant can earn a farmer $50, compared to $5 for a bag of corn.
Cannabis Penalties in Mozambique
| Offense | Penalty |
| Personal Use | Having even a small amount can mean 2–8 years in jail. |
| Trafficking | Selling or transporting cannabis may result in 8–12 years in prison. |
| Growing | Growing cannabis plants can lead to 5–15 years in jail, depending on the farm size. |
Future of Cannabis Legalization in Mozambique
Mozambique’s government is under pressure to rethink cannabis laws. Lesotho and Zimbabwe now allow cannabis for medical and industrial use. This change creates jobs and boosts tax revenue.
In 2024, a Mozambican lawmaker proposed a bill to legalize hemp farming, but it hasn’t passed yet. Experts say legalizing medical cannabis could earn Mozambique $300 million annually by 2030.
Cannabis remains illegal in Mozambique, but change might come soon. Mozambique has the perfect climate for cannabis. Plus, the global demand is rising. So, the country could gain a lot from regulated cannabis industries. For now, though, using or selling cannabis is risky.
