The government of Uganda has said that it is in the process of developing strict guidelines that will be followed by marijuana growing companies in the country.
This was revealed recently by State Minister for Agriculture Christopher Kibanzanga.
“The crop is among the most valuable on the International markets because of it being medicinal plant but as government we are worried some Ugandans may end up being drug dealers. That is why we need strong regulations which the top government decision makers are in the process of coming up with,” He said.
The government has already licensed Industrial Hemp (U) Ltd to grow and export medical marijuana. The company is currently working together with Pharma Limited, one of the biggest Israeli cannabis firm on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange.
On the other hand over 20 firms are still on government’s license waiting list.
Meanwhile, according to Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng, marijuana growing is still illegal in the country and anyone found in the act be for medicinal purposes or recreation before Cabinet makes an approval will be punished.
“Government has not considered growing this plant here legally. Although some investors in Kasese, Gulu and some other places have started growing it, we have to wait until the Cabinet makes a definite decision,” she said before urging police to arrest whoever is found growing the crop.
However, Kibanzanga urged that laws regarding the plant should be adjusted for Uganda’s economic growth.
