Cannabis Bill Approval Signals New Dawn for Botswana

1
Cannabis Bill Approval Signals New Dawn for Botswana
Cannabis Bill Approval Signals New Dawn for Botswana

Africa-Press – Botswana. The Cannabis Bill, 2025 passed by Parliament on August 14, signals a major shift in Botswana’s approach to cannabis regulation.

Tabled by the acting Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Dr Edwin Dikoloti, the Bill was adopted without any amendments from the Committee stage.

It received 25 votes in favour, while five MPs opposed it, and four abstained from voting.

Prior to that, Dr Dikoloti stated that the Bill aimed to tightly regulate the cultivation, production, storage, distribution, import and export of cannabis, strictly for medicinal, scientific, research and industrial purposes.

He stressed that recreational use remained prohibited under the proposed legal framework.

Introducing the legislation during Tuesday’s parliamentary session, Dr Dikoloti underscored the government’s intent to establish a structured and secure regulatory framework that aligned with international drug control standards.

He added that the Bill also sought to unlock the economic, scientific and industrial potential of cannabis in a controlled and responsible manner.

“This Bill represents a deliberate policy shift, but one that is carefully balanced with public health, law enforcement and international obligations in mind,” Dr Dikoloti said.

Supporters of the Bill lauded it as a forward-looking move that could open new opportunities in medical research, pharmaceutical development and industrial production.

Dr Dikoloti said the Bill would help Botswana join a growing number of countries re-evaluating their cannabis laws to accommodate legitimate medical and industrial uses.

For More News And Analysis About Botswana Follow Africa-Press

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here