Tanzania’s government has urged for more research and caution toward deciding on marijuana usage for medicinal purposes.
This was presented in parliament on April 15, 2024, when the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Jenista Mhagama, responded to the question from Nkenge member of parliament, Florent Laurent Kyombo who asked about the government’s direction toward the legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes.
“The matter of granting permission for cultivation and use of marijuana is an issue that should not be rushed into decisions,” said Mhagama. “The government needs time to conduct sufficient research to make informed decisions.”
The minister acknowledged the global debate surrounding the medicinal use of marijuana, citing discussions within the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, where many member countries have voted in favor of removing marijuana as a dangerous substance. However, she emphasized the need for Tanzania to independently assess the potential benefits and risks associated with marijuana use.
“What we are considering is to start engaging with our universities to begin conducting these studies,” Mhagama explained. “But the debate on allowing the country to enter into marijuana use permits and research in one way or another must be agreed upon collectively.”
The government also underscored that countries that have already allowed marijuana cultivation and use have experienced a surge in mental illness cases and crimes. This made a case for why there is no need to rush to a decision.
“Up to now, as a nation, we see marijuana as a dangerous drug that has greatly damaged the health of our youth,” said Mhagama.
Marijuana continues to be the most widely used and cultivated drug in Tanzania, according to reports from the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA). Between 2016 and 2021, about 202 tons of marijuana were seized, resulting in 97,399 individuals receiving jail sentences.
According to Tanzanian law, individuals caught with marijuana can face up to 30 years in prison.
