The African Cannabis Report

Although widely grown across the continent, indeed Africa is estimated to produce at least 38,000 tonnes of cannabis per year, cannabis is illegal in most African countries. High unemployment rates and a global decline in demand for tobacco crops has hitthese economies hard. However, the region has a wealth of experience in cannabis cultivation; despite its illegality, many agricultural workers have turned to cannabis farming as the only way to earn enough money to provide for the basic needs of their families. With affordable land, low-cost labour and an experienced agricultural workforce, Africa offers enormous opportunity to local start-ups and foreign companies looking to expand. However, an inadequate healthcare system means that even if medicinal cannabis were to be legalised across the continent, access to products could be significantly thwarted without the support of the NGOs, charities and other donors who provide a significant proportion of the region’s healthcare supplies. Any path towards the inauguration of a legalised and regulated cannabis industry will present challenges similar to those seen in more mature markets like North America. The laws governing cannabis use in Africa are both opaque and open to interpretation.However, one guarantee of success in Africa will be found in ensuring the safe and formal accessibility of cannabis-medications for those patients in need. Market Overview