By Staff Reporter
Leader of the House in Parliament, Richard Chimwendo Banda, who is also Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, has stated that the passing of Private Members Bill No.1 of 2024, also known as the Cannabis Regulatory Amendment, will help Malawi boost its foreign and domestic revenue collection.
He said government, through Ministry of Agriculture, aims to grow the economy by producing and exporting.
Banda has emphasised that the legalisation of cannabis farming is not for smoking, but rather for industrial and medical purposes.
He explained that the cannabis industry will be regulated, and unlicensed individuals will not be allowed to grow cannabis.
The Minister said that once President Dr Lazarus Chakwera assents to the bill, it is expected to promote local participation in the cannabis industry and provide a platform for local licensed farmers to cultivate cannabis which is in high demand on the international market.
