Zimbabwe Legalizes Medical Cannabis

[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]O[/dropcap]ver the past few years, cannabis headlines have detailed legalization efforts across the globe, from far-reaching island nations to various European and South American countries. Countries in Africa have been missing in this regard, until now.

This weekend, the South African country of Zimbabwe’s Health and Child Care Minister, Dr. David Parirenyatwa, announced the legalization of medical cannabis for patients, as well as for scientific purposes. According to The Independent, talks of legalization have been in the works for a few months now.

This is welcome news, however it won’t be cheap for those who are seeking to benefit from the new cannabis market. According to Africa News, it will cost an estimated $50,000 just to apply for a cultivation license. Other additional fees include $5,000 for conducting research, $20,000 to renew and a $15,000 annual return fee (the government-owned Herald states that a license is valid for five years).

In order to qualify for a license, the applicant is required to be licensed by the Minister of Health, have their citizenship verified, and offer a description of how they plan to keep records. The report details the following details required when applying: “The application shall also contain the following —(a) if applicable, the maximum quantity expressed as net weight in grammes [sic] of fresh cannabis, dried cannabis, cannabis oil to be produced by the applicant under the licence [sic]and the production period . . . and the maximum number of cannabis plants to be sold or provided by the applicant under the licence and the period in which that quantity is to be sold or provided.”

Most other African countries have made little progress in allowing medical cannabis, however Malawi and Ghana are said to be in the earlier stages of development. Although cannabis legality leaves much to be desired, the continent of Africa is ranked second most highest country for production and consumption of cannabis, according to the United Nations’ 2017 World Drug Report.

Prior to legalizing, being caught in “production and possession” of cannabis could net the accuser up to 12 years in prison. Recreational consumption remains illegal.