BLANTYRE, Malawi — Malawi has legalized the cultivation of cannabis as the country seeks an alternative to tobacco, its main earner of foreign exchange that is under pressure from anti-smoking campaigns. Parliament on Thursday passed the bill to allow cultivation for medicinal and industrial uses. Those found cultivating, processing or distributing cannabis illegally will face up to 25 years in prison and a fine of nearly $70,000. Seven years ago, Malawi’s government granted authorization to two firms to conduct research trials on hemp for industrial and medicinal uses. And the Malawi Hemp Association formed to work with government departments in creating legislative and policy framework.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer February 28, 2020 09:56 UTC