By Paul Nyathi|The Minister Of Health and Child Care Dr David Parirenyatwa says that smoking of mbanje remains illegal besides the new government regulations on the production of the weed.

In a statement on Wednesday, Parirenyatwa said that the thrust for legalising its production is specifically for medicinal and industrial purposes and not recreational smoking of the drug.

“Possession of cannabis other than for medicinal or scientific purposes is therefore still illegal in Zimbabwe. For emphasis, licencing is imperative for medicinal or industrial cannabis use,” said Dr Parirenyatwa.

He said those licensed to produce cannabis will be doing so under very strict regulations.

These include operating under cameras to ensure that they do not abuse their trust by using the drug for any other purposes other than those stipulated in the law.

In Zimbabwe manje controlled under the Dangerous Drugs Act (Chapter 15:02) and the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform Act (Chapter 9:23) and is treated as a prohibited drug for recreational purposes.

Dr Parirenyatwa said the gazetting of Statutory Instrument 62 of 2018 on production of Cannabis for medicinal and scientific use outline the requirements for one to be licensed.

It also specifies the conditions to be fulfilled for one to grow cannabis, process and export the plant and its products.

He said the type of cannabis that Government was promoting is called sativa sativa, which has enormous benefits both industrial and medicinal but less narcotic.

Dr Parirenyatwa said Government values contributions from all its stakeholders and will continue consulting on the issue as the industry grows.

“Government will use a multi-sectoral approach to coordinate and regulate this industry as it develops.

This will include health, industry, agriculture, home affairs, customs, academia and the private sector, among others.

“These regulations do not therefore mean that this is a free for all in growing and processing hemp. You have to be licensed,” he said.

Asked on the rationale behind the $50 000 licensing fee for one to grow hemp, Dr Parirenyatwa said Government considered the potential of income revenue to be generated in the industry.