Malawi is ready to start commercial production and processing of cannabis for medicinal and industrial use, the Cannabis Regulatory Authority has said.

The authority has revealed this following the passing of a bill last year that makes it legal to cultivate and process cannabis.

Cannabis has been taken as potential replacement for tobacco, Malawi’s single-top export crop which is facing extinction.

Cannabis Regulatory Authority Director General Salipira Makoka said that there is high potential in developing cannabis market in Malawi and across the borders.

‘’ If all goes according to plan , Malawi stands to benefit and looking at the value of these products especially medicinal products on the external market they will fetch good money,’’Makoka said

He also added that they are really optimistic as this could move us a mile from where they are.