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ZIMBABWE will soon be producing medical cannabis worth US$20 million a year, joining other countries around the world who produce on a large scale.
Medical cannabis such as CannaQure manufactured from hemp cannabis is already being sold in pharmacies around the country, while potential markets have already been identified around the world. A check in some pharmacies in Harare has revealed the availability of oils registered to treat several ailments.
The oil bottle reads: “The medication may assist with pain relief, sleep, stress relief, and relaxation.”
An official with Ivory Medical which produces CannaQure, Mr Nash Kadzinga, told The Herald that the medication has been on shelves for almost two months now. Further information could not be divulged as it would be in violation of ethical standards set out by the licencing body. Drug advertising is strictly limited.
“We are looking at benefiting the country’s economy with more than US$20 million in the next few years. We must contribute to Vision 2030 and medication from hemp cannabis is already being rolled in the country,” Mr Kadzinga said.
A market in South Africa had already been identified and the medication could easily be exported pending relaxation of some provisions.
“At the moment, we are looking at South Africa where a big market has already been identified. South Africa only has lower dosages of 600mg and we want to introduce 1 200mg and 3 000mg,” Mr Kadzinga said.
He said medical cannabis was different from marijuana.
“It is important to note that medical cannabis is different from dagga or marijuana being abused by people.
“The cannabis used for medication is different altogether — it is refined into medicines for different ailments for instance for mental health. There are indications that it assists in treating mental health issues,” he said.
A medical doctor, Dr Assam Ibrahim, said there were other countries which had plant-based medication around the globe and it was a welcome move that Zimbabwe was joining the rest of the world in producing its medicines.
“This is a step forward for our medical industry and the country at large. There is need to contribute to our economy using our herbs to treat various ailments,” he said.
There was a need to relax certain measures so that the country benefited from what it produced. “Policymakers should help look at the fees being charged to local growers for licensing, laboratory tests and export charges. Surely, if manufacturers are supported then we can be an export market leader,” he said.
A woman whose family member was troubled by ailments said the patient was responding well to CannaQure oil.
“I have a family member who uses CannaQure CBD oil and they love it. It is easy to use. The medicine is working for pain and sleep.”
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