Lydia Kariuki writes
Across Africa, the push for marijuana legalization is gaining momentum, with countries like South Africa, Lesotho, Morocco, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Rwanda, and Ghana at various stages of reform. As the conversation around legalization intensifies in nations like Mozambique, Kenya, and Nigeria, the continent is at a crossroads, deciding how best to navigate the complexities of cannabis policy. While Zimbabwe serves as a reference point, the lessons learned from its journey provide valuable insights for the entire African continent.
The Cannabis Africana Project: A Pan-African Perspective
On October 24, 2023, a workshop was held in Harare, Zimbabwe, bringing together key stakeholders from across the cannabis industry. Organized in collaboration with Kutsaga Research, the event included policymakers, drug control practitioners, civil society members, cannabis farmers, and community groups. This gathering was a critical component of the Cannabis Africana: Drugs and Development in Africa research project, led by researchers from the University of Bristol and the University of Cape Town. The workshop’s discussions and findings have shaped a new policy brief, highlighting the complexities and challenges of cannabis policy in Africa. Drawing on these insights, this article distills seven key lessons from Zimbabwe that are applicable across the continent.
Read here excellent precis of the event here
Also see
https://medium.com/@lidomungure/marijuana-legalization-in-africa-7-lessons-from-zimbabwe-30cff5bbc183
