‘LET’S HAVE CANNABIS’
…by decriminalising its legal usage now
“We pray that this committee of experts will quickly come up with the required framework for its cultivation, distribution, sale, use and regulation.” - PETER SINKAMBA “Govt will only consider issuance of such licences for medicinal use, if there will be evidence and assurance that there is an encrypted process from cultivation to the point where the product is being used for medicinal purposes without triggering any spike in the recreational use of Marijuana,” -DR. CHITALU CHILUFYA
LEGALISING use of cannabis is long overdue and government must be commended for setting up a committee of experts to finally take Zambia towards decriminalising its legal usage, a medical doctor has charged.
Dr Canisius Banda, a development activist and public health specialist, says the country was lagging behind because other nations were already benefitting from legalising the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes and that this could boost the economy.
He commended government for taking a new stance and setting up a committee of experts to firmly take Zambia towards the decriminalisation, export and medicinal use of cannabis as this is long overdue.
Dr Banda said President Edgar Lungu’s landmark decision to reconsider Government’s position on the cultivation of cannabis through the Ministry of Health was commendable as the crop was a game-changer to the economic dynamics of the country as it had undisputable benefits.
“It is exceedingly pleasing that President Lungu, through his Minister of Health Dr. Chitalu Chilufya, set up a committee of experts to firmly take Zambia towards the decriminalization, export and medicinal use of Cannabis. This landmark presidential decision needs the support of all citizens. Cannabis is the leading cash crop of California whose economy is larger than that of Italy.
“Proper management of this crop will be a game changer for Zambia's economy. It is going to add significant value to our GDP and subsequently the per capita income of citizens will rise and their poverty will fall. It is not disputable that Cannabis Sativa, the plant, was created by God for our use. All we need is the requisite knowledge on its use,” Dr Banda said.
He further said even though there was nothing wrong with the tobacco leaf itself, smoking it the way people did through cigarettes might be wrong and anachronistic and that new and safe methods of consuming tobacco needed to be discovered and devised, saying in time, cigarettes might be abolished.
“There is significant and overwhelming scientific evidence that Cannabis is a potent medicine. It treats epilepsy and chronic intractable pain. It also stops vomiting, promotes hair growth, is an antidepressant and restores brain health in dementia patients as well as stimulating appetite, and fights cancer.
“President Lungu must indeed be commended for this bold decision because he seeks to occasion the requisite change in the quality of our lives through enlightenment and this makes him the people's President. Cannabis Sativa is a tropical plant and Zambia's soils and weather are perfect for its cultivation,” he said.
He further proposed for the inclusion of Green Party president Peter Sinkamba to be considered in the committee of experts as his input would be vital since he had been an ardent proponent of the legalization of the crop.