Zambia is the second African country after South Africa to implement a medical cannabis system for its citizens.
This marks a dramatic shift away from its previous policy, which was to allow the cultivation of medical cannabis for export only.
Zambia has undergone a far-reaching overhaul of its approach to cannabis after its initial attempts to attract foreign investors into the sector failed to gain traction. The three significant change that have been made are:
- the establishment of two new oversight bodies, the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZMRA),while along with the National Cannabis-Co-ordinating Committee, is responsible for the issuance of licences for the cultivation, manufacture, production, storage, distribution, import and export of cannabis for medicinal, scientific or research purposes;
- a review of cannabis and hemp licensing fees and regulations
- the planned introduction of a domestic medical cannabis market;
The man who is driving Zambia’s new approach to the sector is Dr Siabulu ‘Prosper’ Sievu, who represents the Ministry of Health on the newly formed NCCC, and is ZMRA chair. Here he shares his thoughts in this exclusive interview with Africa editor, John Makoni.
JM: In a nutshell, how is cannabis going to be incorporated into the public health system (which is a major new development)?
Dr S: Specialised Medical Cannabis Clinics are currently being launched. This will help streamline services to patients with various ailments.
JM: Is Zambia setting up a medical cannabis patient system like SA where patients can be prescribed cannabis products with high THC?
Dr S: That’s correct. Patients will be able to receive high THC prescribed cannabis.
JM: Will the private sector be encouraged to develop products for the local market?
Dr S: Yes. My board is encouraging the private sector to invest in product development.
JM: You have expressed interest in Zambia conducting its own medical cannabis clinical trials – what is your starting point?
Dr S: My Medical Cannabis Clinic has specialised in cannabinoid-based molecules for Onco-Metabolic and Neurodegenerative Therapy.
CA: Where does hemp fit in to the policy landscape?
Dr S: The Industrial Hemp Act provides full ability for people to invest in the industry.
JM: Does Zambia’s licensing regime allow for small scale farmers to grow for the local market or only for exporters?
Dr S: The locals will be able to form co-operatives and sell produce to manufacturers.
JM: What types of licences are being issued and what do they cost?
Dr S: Import, Export, Cultivation, Manufacturing and Distribution. The cost is $1000.
JM: What’s the Zambian army’s role in the cannabis sector?
Dr S: Zambia National Service has a mandate in the agriculture sector. They will be able to cultivate cannabis for research.
JM: How do traditional leaders play a role in incorporating small-scale farmers into cannabis development?
Dr S: The chiefs have vested interest especially in industrial hemp and have contributed in total100,000 hectares of land for hemp farming.
JM: Are there any plans to allow a regulated adult-use market (recreational) to develop in Zambia?
Dr S: Currently our laws are strictly Medical unless the laws are amended.
JM: How many licences have been issued? And in the pipeline?
Dr S: We are scheduled to launch licensing as the Cannabis Board has been approved. We are currently vetting international companies to invest in Zambia. I will share details of the Company On-boarding process at a later stage.
JM: Thank you, keep us posted.
As reported previously, the NCCC consists of the following members:
1. Mr Makomani Siyanga – Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority.
2. Mr Dominic Mutale – Ministry of Home Affairs
3. Mr Brian Kazembe – Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry
4. Col. Nancy C. Mulenga – Ministry of Defence
5. Mr Choolwe M. Kaliba – Drug Enforcement Commission
6. Ms Mutale Kamungu – Ministry of Justice
7. Mr Chrispin Chabwa – Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources
8. Ms Doreen Chomba Malekano – Ministry of Agriculture
9. Dr Peter Cheuka – University of Zambia
10. Dr Siabula Sievu – Ministry of Health
