Malawi
Africa
#91 of 196 worldwide
#14 of 54 in Africa
The 2020 Cannabis Regulation Act legalised cultivation for medical and industrial use. Recreational use of the famous 'Malawi Gold' remains illegal.
Score breakdown ▏world average
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Possession · 25%1/10adds 2.5 of 25 points
Recreational possession of chamba is a criminal offence under the Dangerous Drugs Act. Small amounts typically bring a fine or a short sentence.
Personal cultivation · 25%1/10adds 2.5 of 25 points
Unlicensed cultivation is a crime: under the 2020 Act, growing, processing or distributing cannabis illegally carries up to 25 years in prison and a large fine. 'Malawi Gold' is nonetheless grown widely in remote areas.
Punishment & enforcement · 20%2/10adds 4.0 of 20 points
Fines and short sentences for users, with very long maximums for unlicensed growing and trade.
Sharing & gifting · 10%1/10adds 1.0 of 10 points
Illegal distribution carries the same heavy penalties.
Consumption · 10%1/10adds 1.0 of 10 points
Recreational use is not authorised by the 2020 Act and remains illegal.
Legal access · 10%0/10adds 0.0 of 10 points
No legal source for adult use.
History
More context not part of the score
The Cannabis Regulation Act 2020 created a Cannabis Regulatory Authority that licenses cultivation, processing, storage, export and research for medicinal, industrial and scientific purposes — part of a drive to replace tobacco as an export crop.
Medical use is provided for in the Act, under licence; patient access is limited in practice.
A conviction is a criminal record.
All sources
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