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INDUSTRY

CHRISTIAN NATION GOES GREEN

his is no ‘rumour has it’. You legalize marijuana is not a backyard
could even call it old news. scheme for home use. The fact is
Whether or not this move was that it is a large scale operation with a big stamp of
anticipated, it is still an ongoing approval.
Tsquabble, hinged on two cardinal
aspects; economic prosperity and moral Clearly laid out in our daily news are the dynamics
standing. Zambia’s legalization of marihuana has come atsounding the marijuana scenario. Just in case you
at an economically sensitive time where electricity is a didn’t get the memo:
luxury even in low density areas and bus fare is on the
edge of exploitation due to rising fuel prices. The risky “ZAMBIA LEGALIZES MARIJUANA GROWTH FOR
move of legalizing marijuana could bend both ways; being EXPORTS AND MEDICINAL PURPOSES ONLY.”
seen as a possible revenue magnet, or a ticking time bomb.
ou know it’s serious if a $250,000 annual license fee is
As of the early 1990’s, Zambia stands on a very deep seated Yattached to this new venture. This means not every Chipo
yet slightly controversial declaration of being a Christian and Chanda can
nation. Proclaimed to be so by the second president of the decide to be the
Republic of Zambia, the late Fredrick Chiluba, Zambians have latest marijuana
taken keen pride in this umbrella of spiritual awareness that farmers. Therefore
seems to cover us all. This is why the legalization of marijuana whoever takes up
has not gone without persecution. The introduction of the marijuana growing
Ministry of Religious Affairs to Zambia’s ministries shows how has the evident
much faith and Godly beliefs are recognized as drivers of the capacity to do
individual’s wellbeing and the nation at large. so, which makes
a lot of sense
So, a Christian nation is legalizing the cultivation of a drug. considering what
It’s no secret that drug abuse is an unsafe lifestyle choice, we are dealing
whether or not one is a Christian. The cannabis production with. Moreover, it
may look like a sin enhancer, thereby going against our moral really is reassuring
back drop as a nation. However, if we really dig deep into our that the Ministry
daily practices in our schools, work places, businesses and of Health has
even in our churches- we might find some very non-Christian been given the
behavior which makes the legalization of marijuana a drop in responsibility to
the ocean. issue out licenses
The truth of the matter is that substance abuse especially to this respect. It
amongst the youths might very well spike due to this move. all sounds safe
Alcohol abuse is already on rampage and that’s hard enough and proper, giving
to control. The Zambian government may be accused of us the idea that we
appropriating moral decay, thereby falling short of the can rest easy.
Christian driven expectation. However the call to uphold
Christian values cannot rest entirely on the governing bodies However not everything is full proof. It would be expedient for
but as each individual takes responsibility for their own lives, a us to look at the other side of the coin. As stated earlier, this
morally upright society is built. could bend both ways.

The question is, now that the growth and production of In as much as lines have been drawn around the production
marijuana is legal, what permissions are on the table? The lay of marijuana, how will the government ensure that these lines
man, upon hearing this information may think it as a ‘not for are not crossed?
sale to persons under 18’ situation. However, the decision to

41 The Africa We Want