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Cannabis — ProhibitedAfrica

Mozambique

Medical cannabis is prohibited in Mozambique. Severe criminal penalties may apply for possession, use, or trafficking.

Mozambique prohibits cannabis under its drug control legislation, though the plant (locally known as 'suruma') is widely cultivated informally throughout the country. Law enforcement focuses primarily on trafficking, while subsistence-level cultivation and personal use are common despite the legal prohibition.

Ask the Expert about Mozambique
Regulator
Ministry of Interior — Criminal Investigation Service
Key Legislation
Law No. 3/97 on Drug Trafficking and Consumption
Year Legalized
N/A
Program Size
N/A — Prohibited

Key Facts

  • Cannabis is illegal under Law No. 3/97, which criminalizes drug trafficking, cultivation, and consumption in Mozambique
  • Cannabis (suruma) is the most widely produced and consumed illicit drug in the country, particularly in rural provinces
  • Penalties for drug trafficking can include 8 to 12 years imprisonment, while personal consumption may result in lighter sentences
  • Mozambique is both a producer and transit country for cannabis, with significant quantities trafficked to South Africa and other neighboring states
  • Despite prohibition, enforcement against small-scale personal cultivation is limited due to resource constraints and rural prevalence

Key Legislation

Law No. 3/97 on Drug Trafficking and Consumption (1997)

Regulatory Body

Ministry of Interior — Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC)

Country Info
ISO Code
MZ
Region
Africa
Tier
Tier 4 — Prohibited
Status
Cannabis — Prohibited
Sources
UNODC — Mozambique Country Profile
Disclaimer: This information is for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice. Cannabis regulations change frequently. Always verify with official sources and local legal counsel before making compliance decisions.