Members of Parliament from the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) are pushing to adopt a policy on the licit use of cannabis in the country for both industrial and medicinal purposes.
Presenting the policy before Parliament this week, Dikoloti provided a detailed analysis of the agronomic requirements, growing conditions, and potential yields of cannabis, highlighting Botswana’s suitability for its cultivation.
“Botswana’s favourable soil and climatic conditions, combined with the high yield potential of cannabis, make it a promising crop for economic and industrial development,” he told Parliament.
“However, realising this potential will require a robust regulatory framework, investment in infrastructure, and capacity-building initiatives. By addressing these challenges, Botswana can harness the benefits of cannabis cultivation to drive economic growth, create jobs, and promote environmental sustainability.”
Dikoloti added that the government has decided to develop a comprehensive framework for the controlled use of cannabis for medical and scientific purposes after recognising the evolving global landscape of cannabis regulation and its potential contribution to economic diversification and healthcare advancement.
He said this policy document establishes the foundational principles, regulatory requirements, and implementation strategies for achieving these objectives while ensuring strict compliance with international obligations and maintaining public safety.
“The global perspective on cannabis regulation has undergone significant transformation over the past decade. The medical cannabis market alone is projected to grow from USD 57.18 billion in 2023 to USD 444.34 billion by 2030, reflecting an increasing recognition of cannabis's therapeutic applications and economic potential.
“Within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, countries including Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa have established regulatory frameworks for medicinal use, providing valuable insights for Botswana's approach,” he added.
Dikoloti pointed out that Cannabis cultivation offers significant yield potential, making it a viable crop for Botswana’s agricultural sector with an expected yield of three to four tons of baled Cannabis stalks per hectare.
The Goodhope-Mmathethe legislator said cannabis sativa cultivation can contribute to economic diversification by creating new value chains in textiles, construction, food, and pharmaceuticals.
“The Republic of Botswana currently maintains a comprehensive regulatory prohibition on cannabis and cannabis products across all sectors. The existing legislative and regulatory framework prohibits the licit cultivation, manufacture, distribution, or use of cannabis or cannabis products for any purpose.
“There are specific authorisations permission available for medical, pharmaceutical analysis and research which are limited by the absence of regulations and regulatory mechanisms,” he noted.
He also revealed that Botswana's existing cannabis control framework spans multiple pieces of legislation and that the current legislation prohibits the use of cannabis and any beneficiation thereof.
Dikoloti indicated that the current prohibition on cannabis cultivation requires legislative amendments to enable licit cultivation.
“Botswana's approach to cannabis regulation is fundamentally shaped by its international commitments, particularly its obligations under the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961), which it acceded to in 1996,” Dikoloti said.
“This framework requires a carefully balanced approach that enables legitimate use while maintaining strict controls. The underpinning regulatory framework must align with the international conventions.”
