IMPLEMENT CANNABIS LAW – SINKAMBA

By Lumbiwe Mwanza

THE Government has made tremendous progress on various pertinent issues of the economy such as debt restructuring that was left by the previous regime but is yet to show the desired political-will towards having the cannabis law implemented, opposition Green Party President Peter Sinkamba has charged.

Cannabis in Zambia is illegal for recreational use. Possession and use of cannabis can lead to imprisonment for up to 15 years. However, in December 2019, cannabis was legalized for export and medicinal purposes only.

Speaking to The Scoop, Mr. Sinkamba said despite Cabinet approving the Cannabis Bill of 2021, no tangible progress had been made to ensure that Zambia began to produce and export the crop for medicinal or research purposes.

He said that the New Dawn Government should show interest in growing cannabis as it would not only help in addressing some of the health challenges but contribute to the growth of the economy.

“The New Dawn Government has shown committed themselves to critical issues such as the debt restructuring, as well as addressing issues surrounding KCM and Mopani Copper Mines but has not shown the desired commitment needed to have cannabis legally allowed for medicinal purposes. I think this issue is all about political willingness. The UPND should instead consider the positive impact that will be realized from the decision made,” Mr. Sinkamba explained.

He emphasized that once the law was fully enforced, citizens would be given licenses to cultivate cannabis while following strict guidelines to avoid unauthorized persons from accessing their fields.

“This cannabis will not be grown carelessly by people who will be given licenses. Enough security will be put on farms in order to ensure that unauthorized people do not have access. Therefore, the Government should provide a clear road map on the way forward,” he said.