Is Marijuana Legal in Madagascar?

Both medical and recreational cannabis are against the law in Madagascar.

The country was one of the earliest to ban marijuana use and — with its continued aggressive posture toward eradication — is unlikely to legalize the plant soon.

Despite legal bans, cannabis, called “zamal” locally, is widely cultivated and used across the island and has played a role in the Malagasy people’s history for centuries.

Medical Marijuana Laws in Madagascar

Cannabis has long thrived on the island of Madagascar. Archaeologists have found evidence of the plant dating back to 300 CE and believe that the Malagasy people brought it with them when they first arrived.

Documented references to Madagascar cannabis first appeared in 1661, explaining how the Malagasy mixed the plant with tobacco and smoked the mixture.

Historically, the Malagasy used cannabis for spiritual and medical purposes, with some evidence suggesting limited recreational use at social gatherings. Madagascar locals still widely use cannabis to treat nausea and fever and to ward off evil spirits.

According to recent reports, 14.2% of adults in Madagascar used cannabis in the last year, and the country has the 14th-highest rate of cannabis consumption in the world. Cannabis plants are also grown close to other crops to help protect from pests and purify the soil.

The country is unique because it was one of the earliest to enact cannabis laws, banning the plant’s consumption and cultivation in the 18th century. King Andrianampoinimerina disliked how his courtiers became “half-witted” when they used cannabis and declared consumption punishable by death.

To this day, there’s no medical cannabis program in Madagascar, and recreational use is against the law.

The country has given no indication of potential future legalization and worked with Mauritius’ government to address Madagascar’s drug trafficking and widespread illegal cultivation.

Sadly, the slash-and-burn tactics to uncover hidden cannabis farms are one of the main contributors to Madagascar’s deforestation.

What to Know About About Medical Cannabis in Madagascar

Whether it’s medicinal cannabis or products for personal use, cannabis is against the law in Madagascar. The use, sale, or possession of the plant is prohibited, with long prison terms and hefty fines imposed on those who break the rules.

Additionally, there is no legal difference in Madagascar between CBD, industrial hemp, and cannabis, despite the differences in THC content and ability to produce intoxication. Therefore, the possession, use, or sale of CBD products is against the law in Madagascar.

Can You Grow Cannabis in Madagascar?

Cannabis cultivation is illegal in Madagascar, and government authorities act swiftly to eradicate plantations and penalize farmers.

However, many poverty-stricken farmers continue to grow the plant to support their families and hide crops within the dense forests in the northern highlands of the island’s Analabe region.

The Bottom Line

Unlike its neighbors in South Africa and Zimbabwe, Madagascar is unlikely to legalize cannabis for medicinal purposes soon, and recreational use is met with harsh punishments. Those traveling or residing in Madagascar should comply with local laws and avoid the plant.