Member of Parliament for Nkhata-Bay West Constituency, Chrispin Mphande, has stressed the importance of legalizing the cultivation of local hemp for industrial purposes.

Mphande has expressed his belief that legalizing the growth and sale of Cannabis, commonly known as Chamba, would provide more medicinal benefits compared to foreign varieties.

Additionally, he highlighted the potential economic boost, as it would generate foreign currency for the country.

Mphande has made a commitment to present a private motion in parliament to initiate discussions on this topic.

The goal is to gather support and hold deliberations regarding the legalization of local hemp cultivation.

“This move could have significant implications for the medical and economic sectors of the country”, said Mphande.

Malawi legalized cannabis farming for industrial and medicinal use in February 2020 hoping to take advantage of the booming global demand and move away from the reliance on tobacco as an export crop.

However, individuals are still facing laws if caught cultivating or selling weed without license.