As Uganda’s position on licensing individuals and companies for production of Cannabis is, however, still unclear, the government of Rwanda has approved cultivation, processing and exportation of marijuana for medicinal purposes.
Rwanda becomes the latest African country to legalise, and pass laws on the growing of marijuana for medical purposes, as it seeks to establish itself in the multibillion business and tap into the benefits of the crop such as creating jobs and increasing the country’s revenue.
“The government of Rwanda is considering the development of a medical cannabis industry in Rwanda, targeting medicinal and therapeutic products. With a focus on export markets and value-addition. The government seeks to participate in the economic opportunities that this growing sector offers,” the statement reads in part.
Unlike Uganda where local and foreign investors intending to participate in the commercial growing of medical marijuana or cannabis are frustrated over government’s silence on opening up the business for agricultural licensing, in Rwanda, aspiring investors are only required to establish high level security to their establishments such as double layered fencing, ensuring patrol control in between the two layers of the fence, hiring a licensed private security service company to secure the facility 24 hours a day, security lighting, video surveillance cameras, watchtowers, an intrusion detection system, a communication control room, bright signage, among others.
The new Ministerial Order No 003/MoH/2021 of 25/06/2021 Relating to the Cannabis and Cannabis Products stipulates that “any investor or person who is committed to perform any activity of cultivation, processing, importation, export and use of Cannabis and Cannabis products, for medical or research purposes” is eligible to do so.
Not adhering to the guidelines will result in an administrative fine of not less than Rwf1 million and not more than Rwf50 million (Approximately $1015-$50,787). If the offence is repeated, the fine payable is doubled.
Article 18 of the order states that “The competent authority suspends a licence if the license holder does not comply with provisions of the Order and those of relevant laws or regulations.”
The order comes after the passing of the National Pharmaceutical Product Pricing and Containment policy in October 2020. Rwanda is a signatory to all relevant UN conventions relating to narcotics.
According to Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the Government of Rwanda expects the sector to generate significant export revenues and employment opportunities in high-value agriculture and agro-processing.
However, the consumption of weed for fun purposes is still considered illegal in Rwanda with harsh penalties imposed on those dealing in illegal production, distribution and consumption.