Ugandan investors intending to participate in the commercial growing of medical marijuana or cannabis are not happy that the government has remained silent regarding opening up the business for agricultural licensing.
Their displeasure was reawakened when President Paul Kagame’s government allowed investors to start setting up cannabis plantations in Rwanda, with intent to use the marijuana for medical research.
Most of the marijuana grown in Rwanda shall be for export to Europe, Israel and other countries to help pharmacists with medical researches, according to the government.
This was revealed in a statement released by the Rwandan government dated October 13, 2020, titled; ‘Statement on the Framework for the Production of Medical Cannabis for Export’
“The regulatory guidelines approved by Cabinet on 12 October 2020 provide a framework for investment in the production and processing of medical cannabis in Rwanda for export to growing global markets,” the statement reads in part.
The statement, issued by Clare Akamanzi, the Chief Executive Officer Rwanda Development Board, adds that “Rwanda will begin to receive applications for licenses from interested investors for this high-value therapeutic crop.
This investment framework does not affect the legal status of cannabis consumption in Rwanda, which remains prohibited. Medical cannabis produced in Rwanda is solely for export markets. Rwanda is a signatory to all relevant UN conventions relating to narcotics, and will continue to ensure full compliance with international law.”
It continues that; “The guidelines establish quality standards, the requirements for licenses and permits, as well as strict security measures designed to prevent any illicit diversion or use of the product.
The Government of Rwanda expects the sector to generate significant export revenues and employment opportunities in high-value agriculture and agro-processing. A special export levy will be introduced to incentivize domestic value addition and generate additional government revenue.”
An official at Premier Hemp, one of the companies targeting the recrutive business said they will have to yet again engage government so that the matter is addressed. The official said that with the development in Rwanda being, targeting the Rwanda market is an option they can consider.