The Zimbabwe Health Ministry has announced that all local and foreign investors promoting the production of cannabis will be offered 100% ownership of their farms and licences to improve competitiveness. The government approved the production of cannabis for medicinal purposes in 2018.
Last year, it announced that 37 investors had shown an interest in farming the crop. Health Minister Obadiah Moyo said that following a “high-level” Cabinet meeting, the decision was taken “to improve the competitiveness of the sector both regionally and globally”.
“In order to regularise the policy changes, a draft Investment Stabilisation agreement is being reviewed by the Attorney-General's Office. The finalisation has been delayed somewhat due to the focus in controlling the global COVID-19 pandemic.”
New Zimbabwe reports that a joint venture between the government and a private firm (Alternative Health Oils) has seen the state ceding its 40% share “leaving the private firm in total control of the entity”.
Minister for Lands, Agriculture, Water, and Rural Resettlement Perrance Shiri said by supporting the farming of cannabis, the government is taking a leaf from progressive economies.
“We have big economies such as China who are the world’s leading producer of the crop. As a progressive nation, we also have taken a deliberate and conscious decision to venture into industrial cannabis production given the benefits that we can derive,” said Minister Shiri.
The African continent appears to be bringing back cannabis, with some countries already taking the bold step in reclaiming a plant that history records as part of their indigenous knowledge. Other countries in this category include the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Eswatini, and Uganda.
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