(4 minutes read)
· As more countries are now decriminalizing the use of Marijuana in Africa with the latest being Morocco, there is a spurt in the number of companies setting up cannabis farms
· Rwanda last year permitted the production and processing of medical marijuana with an aim to maximize its profits
· Morocco is one of the world’s largest producers of cannabis.
As more countries are now decriminalizing the use of Marijuana in Africa with the latest being Morocco, there is a spurt in the number of companies setting up cannabis farms. Morocco is one of the world’s largest producers of cannabis. Morocco recently adopted the law authorizing the therapeutic use of cannabis. However, this can only be used in medicine, cosmetics and even for industrial purposes. The law was passed by the House of Representatives with 119 votes in support and 48 against. However, recreational use remains prohibited and subject to prosecution.
Rwanda last year permitted the production and processing of medical marijuana with an aim to maximize its profits. The production and use will only be limited to licensed dealers like pharmacies and that cannabis consumption remains illegal. South Africa is contemplating plans to ensure that the Southern African country can maximize on the plant by turning marijuana into a viable business. In 2023, the country will sign the Cannabis for Private Purpose Bill into law. A Constitutional Court in 2018 permitted the use, possession and cultivation of cannabis in private dwellings was not illegal and should be allowed in South Africa. The government was given 24 months to enact this law.
Uganda enacted one of the stringent laws to curb the use of cannabis but at the same time allowed the commercialization of the product. The Ugandans expended US $264,000 to secure high-quality cannabis seeds in 2019. They also secured buyers from Germany and Canada after getting approval from the European Union in 2019. Lesotho, Zambia and Zimbabwe have also legalized cannabis.
