Zimbabwe: the government is considering legalizing cannabis to attract investors

The government of Zimbabwe is considering legalizing the cultivation of cannabis and its therapeutic use. according to local sources. The main goal is to boost the country's economy and attract investors.

Zimbabwe is located in southern Africa, not far from Mozambique and South Africa, which has legalized the personal use of cannabis on March 31.

Zimbabwe already cultivates cannabis illegally, notably in the Binga region, where consumption is aimed at the local population as well as South Africa. However, the consumption of mbanja, the local translation of cannabis in Kalanga, is strictly illegal. Anyone found in possession of cannabis in the country is liable to a sentence of up to 12 years' imprisonment.

Boosting Zimbabwe's economy

Obert Mpofu, the country's Minister of Macroeconomic Planning and Investment Promotion, said that a Canadian conglomerate had already applied for a license to grow cannabis.

«We've received requests from investors who want to participate in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and one of them is a big international company that wants to get involved in cannabis production. I laughed at first, thinking it was a joke, but then I saw it was serious. It looks like a big deal,» he confirmed.

If approved, cannabis production and consumption would become legal in the relevant areas of Zimbabwe. Medical cannabis is expanding worldwide, and Mr. Mpofu sees both economic and medical benefits. «I don't see anything wrong with it and I think that if we legalize medical cannabis like South Africa, Zimbabwe will benefit. Medical cannabis is used as an analgesic like morphine,» he said.

The decision is aimed at boosting Zimbabwe's economy, a boost that would be accompanied by the decriminalization of cannabis throughout the country.

Mehdi Bautier