IN a significant shift, Eswatini is poised to legalise cannabis for medical purposes, signalling a departure from a colonial-era drug law entrenched for over a century. The move aims to harness the potential benefits of medical cannabis cultivation and production while addressing longstanding economic and social challenges.
Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo highlighted the multifaceted benefits of legalising cannabis, telling VOA, ‘The legislation will also provide measures to guard against increasing the black market… We look forward to the unbanning of the cannabis plant as an opportunity to develop the country, our economy, and to empower Eswatini themselves.’
Dr. Thys Louren, an occupational medical practitioner at Occupational Health Eswatini, underscored the holistic nature of the decision, stating, ‘I stand here urging for the transformative change of Eswatini’s healthcare landscape toward a healthier and more sustainable Eswatini… It is not just a medical decision but a holistic solution for our patients, community, and economy.’
Nathi Dlamini from Business Eswatini sees medical cannabis as a potential avenue for economic growth, remarking, ‘As Business Eswatini, we are very thankful that from the highest authority of the land now, we are beginning to be one-minded on this.’
However, concerns persist among local merchants like Maqhawe Tsabedze, who have relied on the illicit trade for livelihoods. Tsabedze expressed apprehension over potential disruptions to their income streams. ‘The decriminalisation of cannabis will help a lot and will perhaps stop police from raiding and confiscating our products,’ he told VOA.
The proposed legislation seeks to amend provisions of a 1922 statute imposed during British colonial rule. To become law, the bill must secure a three-fourths majority approval in both the House of Assembly and the Senate, marking a pivotal moment in Eswatini’s legislative landscape and its journey towards embracing medical cannabis legalisation.