Rwanda passes bill that allows cultivation of marijuana
The Cabinet of the Republic of Rwanda has passed a bill that allows cultivation of marijuana for medical and commercial purposes.
The Rwandan Cabinet passed the bill on Tuesday in a meeting chaired by President Paul Kagame at Urugwiro Vilage, Kigali.
In a statement released by the Prime Minister of Rwanda Dr. Edouard Ngirente on October 12, the Cabinet approved the "regulatory guidelines on cultivation, processing and export of high value therapeutic crops in Rwanda".
Although the law did not specify the cultivation of marijuana, it permits it.
Speaking on PD Online on Wednesday, the Director of Media Relations at the Rwanda's Ministry of Health Julien Mahoro Niyingabira said marijuana is allowed if it falls in the 'high value therapeutic crops'.
"If a plant falls to be high value and therapeutic, guidelines to cultivate, process and export it were approved by the cabinet meeting held on Monday October 12, 2020 in Kigali" said Mr. Niyingabira.
Rwanda becomes the first country in the East African region to license the cultivation of marijuana. With the new law, Rwanda hopes to revive its economy from the effects of the covid Pandemic.
The global cannabis market is currently evaluated at Sh35 billion, emerging among the most lucrative.
However, the cultivation of marijuana in Rwanda is strictly for export and domestic consumption remains strictly prohibited. In Rwanda, one risks a two-year jail term or a fine of Sh300,000 for an offence in cultivation or use.
