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INDUSTRY

CHRISTIAN NATION GOES GREEN

And are there grounds for skepticism in which grey areas may
eventually lead to damaging our nation?

No doubt the industry poses as a potential economic savior,
as Africa’s legal cannabis industry could be worth more than
$7.1 billion (according to The African Cannabis Report, cited in
a December 16th 2019 issue of the Lusaka Times). In the right
hands, with the right motives, the new born cannabis industry in
Zambia could flourish.
owever, what might stop ‘investors’ for example from pulling
Ha quick one on Zambians and using this platform for their
personal gain?

In the long run, what will be the indicators that Zambia is reaping
and enjoying the benefits of this economic diversification?
The reason why a pre-scholar uses a pencil is not because a pen
is bad for them, it is only because they are not ready to use the
particular instrument. In this light, how ready is Zambia to face
negative consequences that might arise with legal production of
marijuana? Isn’t it possible for us to be an entry point for organized
crime due to weak regulations? Even if the cultivation of marijuana
has been narrowed down to ‘medicinal purposes’, we cannot ignore
the abuse of the drug at individual level.
Our South African counterparts didn’t seem to have an issue with
individual use of the drug as their legalization of it in 2018 allowed
for adults to cultivate and use it in a private setting. It is however
questionable as to how illegal dealing can be avoided with such an
open playing field. There are of course boundaries on the amount
of cannabis one can cultivate privately without it converting to a
felony. South Africa’s concern though lies more on the inclusion
of the small scale farmer in the booming cannabis enterprise as
they look to commercialize it.(Facts from Cape Business News)
It appears they are highly aware of the gold mine that cannabis
production could offer: irrespective of where they pray or whether
they pray. In other words, could Zambia be holding herself back
from future opportunities in keeping with her faith?
A brighter picture can be painted by looking at the canvas of
Canada; well advanced in the business of cannabis. It’s law: The
Cannabis act, legalized recreational marijuana use, therefore
allowing adults to purchase and grow marijuana. Much like South
Africa, emphasis on the use of the drug boarders on legal age.
Licensing is an obvious factor for the production process and
applies all round. According to DW News, licensing for commercial
dealing has been a slow process and coupled with quality issues;
only 20% of the market is in the hands of licensed operators with
the rest being illegal. What can be drawn from this then?

Will crime not persist despite the level of development of a nation
and the strictest of laws? And what really would be the ultimate
legislation that could curb commercial and individual abuse of the
drug.
Having made legal the growth of cannabis for medicinal purposes,
there isn’t any guarantee that the commercial handling of
marijuana in Zambia won’t spill into recreational use. In the
ministerial statement by the Minister of Health, Dr. Chilufya, it
was said; “In conclusion, the question that we should address as
a nation is: with the safe proven alternative registered medicines
that we have in Zambia, should we take the risk of wanton
cultivation of marijuana with the drastic negative potential it may
bring to our nation? Allowing the cultivation of cannabis simply
increases its availability and, therefore it’s acceptability which
creates a public health concern.”

Therefore, will Christianity take precedence on this matter or is
Zambia going Green?

43 The Africa We Want