Republic of the Congo

Medical cannabis is prohibited in Republic of the Congo. Severe criminal penalties may apply for possession, use, or trafficking.

The Republic of the Congo (Congo-Brazzaville) prohibits cannabis under Law No. 26-82 on the Suppression of Drug Trafficking. Cannabis is classified as a narcotic substance, and possession, cultivation, sale, and trafficking carry criminal penalties. Despite legal prohibition, cannabis is widely cultivated in rural areas and remains one of the most commonly used illicit substances in the country.

Ask the Expert about Republic of the Congo

Regulator

National Police — Office Central des Stupefiants

Key Legislation

Law No. 26-82 on the Suppression of Drug Trafficking

Year Legalized

N/A

Program Size

N/A — Prohibited

Key Facts

Cannabis is fully prohibited under Law No. 26-82 (1982), which criminalizes all aspects of the cannabis supply chain from cultivation and production to sale, possession, and consumption
Penalties for cannabis possession range from 1 to 5 years imprisonment with fines, while trafficking offenses carry sentences of 5 to 20 years and substantially higher fines
Cannabis (locally known as 'chanvre' or 'diamba') is extensively cultivated in the southern Pool and Bouenza departments, as well as in the northern forest regions
The Republic of the Congo cooperates with the UNODC and participates in the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) anti-drug trafficking initiatives
There is no medical cannabis framework or active reform movement in the Republic of the Congo; drug policy discussions remain focused on trafficking enforcement rather than legalization

Key Legislation

Law No. 26-82 on the Suppression of Drug Trafficking (Loi No. 26-82 relative a la repression du trafic des stupefiants, 1982)

Regulatory Body

National Police — Office Central des Stupefiants (Central Narcotics Office), and the Ministry of Health and Population

Related jurisdictions

Sao Tome and Principe

Cannabis — Prohibited

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Senegal

Cannabis — Prohibited

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Seychelles

Cannabis — Prohibited

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Sierra Leone

Cannabis — Prohibited

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Somalia

Cannabis — Prohibited

Country Info

ISO Code

Region

Africa

Tier

Tier 4 — Prohibited

Status

Cannabis — Prohibited

Sources

UNODC — Republic of the Congo

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.