MPs nod to Cannabis Regulation Amendment Bill

Members of Parliament (MPs) yesterday passed the Cannabis Regulation Act (Amendment) Bill expected to facilitate proper regulation of a locally produced variety of cannabis sativa (chamba).

The Bill, presented in the House by Lilongwe South parliamentarian Peter Dimba (Malawi Congress Party), also irons out other operational challenges in the production of cannabis.

He said: “The Cannabis Regulation [Amendment] Bill will promote local participation in the cannabis industry and harness the advantages of the local variety.”

Dimba estimated that Malawi will make about $700 million annually from cannabis also known as Indian Hemp.

But Leader of the House Richard Chimwendo Banda clarified that the passing of the Bill does not in any way legalise chamba smoking. “Even after passing the Bill, growing chamba without a licence or being found in possession of the same, remains an offence,” he said.