Zambian Cabinet Approves Cultivation, Processing and Exports of Cannabis to Boost Economy
Zambia’s cabinet has approved the cultivation, processing, and export of cannabis for economic and medicinal purposes.
Chief government spokeswoman, Dora Siliya confirmed in a statement that the decision had been made at a special cabinet meeting.
The next step will be for legislation to be drafted and presented to parliament for its approval.
The southern African country joins a host of nations that have legalized, or are yet to legalize cannabis to some degree, as attitudes towards the drug slowly change and investments in its medical benefits grow.
Zambia’s motivation is rooted in a hefty monetary deficit and growing debt burden.
Zambian opposition Green Party President, Peter Sinkamba, who has been advocating the export of cannabis since 2013, said the move could earn Zambia up to $36 billion annually.
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