Cannabis Regulation Act, No. 6 of 2020

The Law establishes the Cannabis Regulatory Authority as a legal person and provides for its composition and functions. Some of the functions of the Authority include; to regulate the cultivation, propagation, production, processing, storage, exportation, importation, distribution and use of cannabis; review and approve test guidelines pursuant to the Act; and promote the participation of indigenous Malawians in the cultivation, propagation, production, processing, storage, exportation, importation, distribution and use of cannabis, directly or through partnerships, co-operatives or other modes of participation. The Authority is granted powers to issue, review, approve or revoke licenses or permits, impose penalties, inspect any site or premises, ensure that the cultivation, propagation, production, processing, storage, exportation, importation, distribution and use of cannabis does not involve children, etc. The Law prohibits the research on, cultivation, propagation, supply, possession, production, processing, storage, importation or exportation of cannabis or its products without license or permission. Procedure for the application of licenses and the different categories of license are provided in the Law. The Authority also appoints Inspectors with powers to search premises upon reasonable grounds to believe that an offence is being committed under the Law.