Malawi Legalizes Cannabis
Government Hopes to Spur Economic Growth – LPC
In a move that follows its neighbours in southern Africa including Zambia and Lesotho, Malawi legalizes cannabis for medicinal use. The small country northwest of South Africa and south of Tanzania is one of the poorest nations in the world with 50% of the population below the poverty line. Its economic future was getting worse since the decline in demand of its top export, tobacco. As Malawi legalizes cannabis though, there is hope this new crop will turn the country around economically.
“It is my strong view that cannabis will in the long run replace tobacco to become our major cash crop – that will contribute hugely to the GDP,” Boniface Kadzamira said.
The country’s dry climate makes it ideal for a number of crops including tobacco, tea, and cannabis. As Malawi legalizes cannabis, one concern the country faces is further exploitation. Big international companies paid workers – and children – poor wages while making big profits. Kadzmira said he doesn’t want to see that again.
“We don’t want to replicate what has happened in the tobacco industry,” he said. “Malawians should participate, not as tenants, but as equal partners in this new sector.”
Further, Malawi legalizes cannabis amid concerns about its safety. The same stigmas about its use are present in the country. Cannabis with THC is “the harmful kind that no Malawian is supposed to possess, touch and smoke for their own sake,” wrote one detractor in 2015.
Malawi Legalizes Cannabis During New Global Tide of Acceptance – LPC
Malawi legalizes cannabis during a time of acceptance around the world. Even the World Health Organization (WHO), which denounced Canada when we legalized, showed signs of change last year. Western countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and even the United States have all considered legalizing cannabis for recreational use. In Europe, medical cannabis is widely accepted, and Canadian companies have set up operations in Europe.
However, what’s happening in Africa is a little different. Cannabis is common and until recently illegal throughout the continent. Changes don’t signal more access for its citizens as it does in Western countries, but more economic opportunities. Lesotho cannabis opportunities, for example, allow Canadian companies such as Supreme Cannabis, Canopy Growth, and Aphria to thrive. At the same time, their activities are providing economic growth for the country.
Kadzmira’s comments about keeping cannabis operations within Malawi may signal that the country does not want international companies. On the other hand, if managed correctly, foreign partnership could be beneficial for all as Malawi legalizes cannabis. Domestic companies there can get expertise and access to international markets. At the same time, they can employ workers and, hopefully, ensure they get a fair wage for that work. It may not be long before we start hearing more about fair trade cannabis.
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