The conversation on legalization of marijuana in Ghana, for economic and health benefits, has been re-ignited as the world observes ‘International Day for the Eradication of Poverty’ today. Indeed, there have been arguments, its production and subsequent exportation can create employment and help rescue the country from the economic quagmire while others say legalizing it will open the flood gate for the youth to abuse its usage.

On the African continent, Lesotho was the first country to legalize the use of marijuana in 2017 for medical and scientific purposes. Zimbabwe, Malawi, and South Africa have also illegalized the use of cannabis.

This natural resource, when grown and exported creates income for the country. In Lesotho, there are more than 20 licensed companies operating in the cannabis industry.

Foreign investors have also boosted the country’s economy. Canada-based Supreme Cannabis invested $10m into Medigrow, a licensed cannabis producer in the country. Several licensed cannabis industries have made great yields through the production of the plant.

Zimbabwe was the second African country to legalized the production of marijuana for scientific and medical use. Persons who are found using it illegally can face a jail term of about 12 years.

Additionally, farmers with the desire to grow marijuana are required to provide proof of citizenry in other to obtain license from government. The license is valid for a period of 5 years.

As reported by New Frontier Data, in Africa, Nigeria has the most annual cannabis use of 19.4%. This is followed by Zambia with 14.8%; and Madagascar with 14.2% despite its being illegal in those country.

The South Africa government has permitted the recreational use of cannabis. Adult citizens are permitted to use and grow cannabis in private for personal consumption.

The multi-billion industry has been untapped in greater parts of Africa despite a report by Prohibition Partners which states that, the African cannabis market is estimated to reach $7.1 Billion by 2023.

Key personalities who have pushed for legalization of marijuana in Ghana

-In 2016, Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan called for the legalization of cannabis and other personal drugs adding that government should implement laws to regulate its use.

He said: “The legal sale of cannabis is a reality that started with California legalizing the sale of cannabis for medical use in 1996. Since then, 22 US states and some European countries have followed suit. Others have gone further still. A voter initiative which gained a majority at the ballot box has caused Colorado to legalize the sale of cannabis for recreational use. Last year, Colorado collected around $135 million in taxes and license fees related to legal cannabis sales.”

-Former Boss of Narcotics Control Board, Akrasi Sarpong in June 2019 called for legalization of cannabis stating that, “We can get a lot more products from marijuana than cocoa, marijuana doesn’t kill, we can use it for commercial purposes which Ghana can make a lot of money from.”

-Actor John Dumelo in January 2019 also advocated for the legalization of marijuana. He stated, “When you go to some of the western countries, it has been legalized for health purposes and we can also do same,” he stated.

Benefits of Marijuana

Marijuana, which contains vital vitamins and minerals, helps in the treatment of chronic pain and cancer. It also regulates and prevent diabetes as well as deal with pain linked to arthritis.

Is it about time Ghana legalized the production and use of marijuana, taking into cognizance the economic and health benefits or it will be a recipe for disaster as some have posited?