Kigali moves ahead with cannabis production plans

Kigali has earmarked 134ha on state land for cannabis production, The New Times reports. A Ministerial Order was last year gazetted, providing a framework for responsible and secure cultivation, processing, distribution and use of cannabis in the country. The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has confirmed that the government has designated a specific area to cannabis production ‘and is in the process of having this site developed’. It said a ‘significant ‘number of companies have shown interest in the cultivation, processing and export of cannabis from Rwanda. ‘RDB has been working with other government stakeholders to assess proposals received. The Government of Rwanda set a rigorous process to select companies that have or are partnering with companies that have previous experience in the production of cannabis for medical and therapeutic reasons. The assessment process has different stages. So far, five companies are in the advanced stage,’ read a statement from RDB. However, no licences have been issued yet, as the licensing process is an extensive one that requires alignment with the security requirements and infrastructure of the site. The consumption of cannabis products for recreational purposes remains illegal in Rwanda and there are harsh penalties for illegal production, distribution and consumption of cannabis.