Gradually the days when marijuana was marginalized and referred to as “devil’s grass” are rolling away. The advantages of the plant are becoming more evident and it has been realized that the best way to maximize it is to stamp necessary regulations on growth and usage.
In 2018, the Zimbabwean government approved the application for the farming of marijuana in the country for medical and research purposes. This was a major breakthrough in this regard. Several African countries criticized the move but experts have affirmed that before long the result of this decision will convince them to follow suit.
Midlands State University, one of the numerous higher institutions of learning in Zimbabwe, has submitted an application for a license allowing them to cultivate marijuana in accordance with the newly enacted laws.
This was revealed by the Minister for Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Amon Murwira. He said this at a public lecture hosted by the university in Gweru. He also said that several universities have also submitted applications in like manner and the government is already working on releasing the licenses. The government is also looking at taking advantage of local drug production using locally sourced resources to reduce the import bill.
In conclusion of his lecture, Prof. Murwira said each Minister of State had received instructions to make 20 hectares of land available to industrial hubs where this idea will be made operational.