In our Regulatory Snapshot, when we say a country treats Medicinal Cannabis as restricted, it means that products like cannabidiol (CBD) oils are only allowed under formal medicine registration rules. This does not exclude other interpretations, where the same CBD oil may be seen as a herbal medicine, supplement, or even a superfood. In many countries, this remains a “grey area” — a space where entrepreneurs must actively engage and help shape the path forward.
What you'll learn
Table of contents
Madagascar Introduction
Madagascar enforces strict prohibition of cannabis, with no framework for medical or industrial hemp. CBD is also prohibited. However, the country is world-renowned for its unique biodiversity and herbal medicine tradition, particularly botanicals like vanilla, ravintsara, ylang-ylang, ginger, and moringa. Functional mushrooms and adaptogens are legal, providing safe opportunities for Hemp Vegan cafés built around coffee, mushrooms, adaptogens, and Malagasy botanicals.
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Cannabis & Wellness Regulation Overview
Recreational Cannabis (Adult Use)
Status: Illegal.
- Cannabis use and possession criminalized.
- Harsh penalties for trafficking and cultivation.
- Informal cannabis use exists in rural areas but remains illegal.
Medical Cannabis
Status: Prohibited.
- No medical cannabis program.
- Cannabis-derived pharmaceuticals not authorized.
Hemp & Industrial Definition
Status: Not recognized.
- Hemp treated as cannabis under Malagasy law.
- No industrial cultivation framework.
CBD Oils and Products
Status: Prohibited.
- CBD classified as cannabis derivative.
- No imports or retail authorized.
Cosmetics & Artisanal Production
Status: Allowed (non-cannabis).
- Madagascar is famous for essential oils (ravintsara, ylang-ylang, clove), vanilla-based products, and moringa oil skincare.
- Hemp/CBD not permitted.
Functional Mushrooms & Adaptogens
Status: Allowed.
- Functional mushrooms (Reishi, Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane) are legal.
- Adaptogens like maca, ginseng, and ashwagandha imported.
- Herbal wellness integrated into local culture.
Psilocybin / Psychedelics
Status: Strictly prohibited.
- Classified as narcotics.
- No framework for medical or research use.
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Operating Guidance (Hemp Vegan)
Wellness-Driven Coffee & Retail
- Cannabis/CBD not viable.
- Strong entry: coffee + vanilla + mushrooms + adaptogens.
- Cosmetics: integrate Malagasy essential oils and botanicals.
- Positioning: combine biodiversity identity with wellness retail.
Clinical Tools & AI
- No cannabis integration possible.
- AI tools can focus on nutrition, adaptogens, herbal medicine education.
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Marketing, Claims & Compliance
Advertising & Claims
- Cannabis/CBD prohibited.
- Mushrooms/adaptogens: wellness framing permitted.
- Avoid therapeutic/disease claims without approval.
Packaging & Labeling
- Labels must be in French or Malagasy.
- Imports require Ministry of Health clearance.
- Supplements: must show dosage, batch, and distributor.
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Taxes, Import & Duties
- VAT: 20%.
- Cannabis/hemp/CBD: prohibited.
- Mushrooms/adaptogens: import allowed with approval.
- Cosmetics: export-driven sector (vanilla, ylang-ylang, ravintsara oils).
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Risks & Practical Notes
- Cannabis/hemp/CBD: prohibited.
- Psilocybin: prohibited.
- Opportunities: coffee, vanilla, functional mushrooms, adaptogens, essential oils.
- Strategy: align Hemp Vegan cafés with coffee + Malagasy botanicals + mushrooms/adaptogens for domestic and tourism markets.
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FAQ (Hemp Vegan)
How Hemp Vegan supports operations in Madagascar
We guide partners into non-cannabis wellness cafés, built around coffee, mushrooms, adaptogens, and Madagascar’s biodiversity-driven botanicals.
Payroll & local operations
Employer contributions ~18–20%. Hemp Vegan provides HR compliance kits adapted to Malagasy labor law.
Creators vs. Employees
Retail staff must be hired locally. Remote creators may collaborate as contractors.
Ongoing support
We monitor Ministry of Health regulations and export rules for supplements and essential oils.
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Sources & Review Log
_Last reviewed_: 2025-08-23
