ANTONY CHAWAGARIRA
In a move that highlights the growing prominence of the cannabis industry in Zimbabwe, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Bulawayo Province, Honorable Judith Ncube, and the Permanent Secretary for Bulawayo Metropolitan, Mr. Paul Nyoni, led a group of civil servants on a tour of a local cannabis farm recently.
The tour took place at the farm of Mr. Mike Querl, located on the outskirts of Bulawayo. Mr. Querl has established a thriving operation that cultivates both fish and cannabis. During the visit, he expressed a keen interest in engaging civil servants who have access to land to get involved in the production of cannabis.
For those civil servants interested in pursuing cannabis farming, Mr. Querl is offering training at his farm to ensure they are able to produce a quality crop. The start-up capital required is reportedly around US$33,000 per hectare, but the potential rewards are significant – it is estimated that a well-executed cannabis farm can yield as much as US$120,000 per hectare.
The tour and Mr. Querl’s outreach to civil servants underscore the growing recognition of the economic potential of the cannabis industry in Zimbabwe. As the country continues to navigate the complexities of cannabis legalization and regulation, initiatives like this may pave the way for increased participation and investment in the sector.
Zimbabwe became one of the first countries in Africa to legalize the production of cannabis for medical and research purposes. This opened the door for the establishment of a legal cannabis industry in the country.
Under the existing regulations, cannabis production is permitted, but it is heavily controlled and regulated by the government. Licenses are required to cultivate cannabis, and strict guidelines must be followed regarding security, record-keeping, and sales.
The regulations stipulate that cannabis can only be grown for medical, research, and development purposes. Commercial cultivation for recreational use remains illegal. Farmers must sell their entire crop to the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe, which oversees the medical cannabis program.
The government has also put in place policies to promote the participation of smallholder farmers and indigenous Zimbabweans in the cannabis industry. This includes efforts to make licenses and financing more accessible to local entrepreneurs.
However, challenges remain in terms of implementation and enforcement of the regulations. There have been reports of illegal cannabis cultivation, as well as difficulties for licensed farmers in navigating the bureaucratic processes.
Overall, the legal cannabis industry in Zimbabwe is still in its nascent stages, with the government continuing to refine the regulatory framework to balance economic opportunities with public health and safety considerations.
