Zimbabwe pivots from tobacco to cannabis
Zimbabwe, known as Africa's leading tobacco producer, has tasked its tobacco research institution with investigating the feasibility of large-scale cannabis cultivation.
A cannabis plant is pictured at the "Cannabis Cup Thailand" marijuana-based competition and event at No Man's Land dispensary in Bangkok on December 10, 2022. Picture: Jack TAYLOR / AFP
In response to the global decline in cigarette consumption and the rise of anti-smoking initiatives, Zimbabwe, known as Africa's leading tobacco producer, has tasked its tobacco research institution with investigating the feasibility of large-scale cannabis cultivation.
Kumbirai Mateva, a plant breeder at Zimbabwe’s Tobacco Research Board, explains that this shift towards cannabis research stems from the World Health Organisation's efforts to deter tobacco usage and the government's directive to explore alternative agricultural opportunities.
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According to reports, international organisations, including the United Nations (UN), are encouraging farmers to transition away from tobacco due to its associated health risks, such as lung cancer from smoking.
Consequently, despite its enduring popularity in Zimbabwe, tobacco demand has dwindled over the past 25 years.