Morocco Joins African Countries Legalizing Medical Cannabis
Morocco has joined the growing list of African countries that have legalized the production of medical cannabis, marking a significant reform for this North African nation, which is considered one of the world’s leading producers of hashish. The new law allows cannabis to be used strictly for medical, cosmetic, and industrial purposes. Personal use remains prohibited and is still subject to prosecution.
The law was passed by Morocco’s House of Representatives with 119 votes in favor and 48 against.
Other African Countries Moving Toward Legalization
Last year, Rwanda authorized the production and processing of medical cannabis to maximize profits. The Rwandan government confirmed that production and use would be limited to licensed dealers, such as pharmacies, and that cannabis consumption remains illegal.
In South Africa, the government is still implementing plans to fully utilize the plant, aiming to turn cannabis into a viable business. The country also plans to sign a law allowing cannabis for private use during the 2022/2023 fiscal year.
Uganda has enacted one of the strictest laws limiting cannabis use, but at the same time has allowed commercialization of the product. In 2019, the Ugandan government spent over $264,000 to acquire high-quality cannabis seeds. It also attracted buyers from Germany and Canada after receiving EU approval in 2019.
Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera recently stated that the country’s tobacco industry, its main source of foreign currency, is in decline. He called for a shift to crops like cannabis, which was legalized last year for industrial and medical use.
Other African countries that have legalized commercial use and export of cannabis include Lesotho, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Africa’s Role in the Global Cannabis Market
Africa’s contribution to the global cannabis market in 2019 was $37.3 billion, accounting for about 11% of the world market. According to a United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime report, from 1995 to 2005, 19 African countries reported cannabis cultivation within their territories.
There are still ongoing debates about whether countries should legalize cannabis at the potential expense of public health. However, stakeholders continue to push for legalization for industrial purposes.