Is Marijuana Legal in Zimbabwe?

Marijuana is illegal in Zimbabwe for recreational use but is legal for medical use.

The southern African country has been at the forefront of legalizing medical cannabis and has made notable strides toward removing overburdensome restrictions on industrial hemp.

Medical Marijuana Laws in Zimbabwe

Medical marijuana was legalized in Zimbabwe in 2018, making it the second African country to do so.

One clear incentive for the government’s shift to legalize medical marijuana production and sales was for exports, especially in an effort to move away from a reliance on tobacco exports.

Still, while cannabis exports might be where the Zimbabwe government saw the most obvious financial benefits back in 2018, the government has made notable progress in establishing its local medical cannabis industry as well.

What to Know About About Medical Cannabis in Zimbabwe

It is not entirely evident which medical conditions are considered qualifying conditions for a medical marijuana prescription in Zimbabwe. As the industry matures, we can hope for more guidance in this area.

However, if you live in Zimbabwe and wonder if medicinal cannabis is right for you, speaking with your doctor would be a great place to start. There is a lot of other information about cannabis in Zimbabwe, medical and otherwise, which suggests the nation could be a significant player in the marijuana industry going forward.

There Are No More Bans on Hemp

The legalization of medical marijuana has had a number of positive effects on the nation.

One noteworthy change concerns hemp policy. A year after legalizing medical cannabis, the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe struck down its ban on industrial hemp.

This allowed for a new revenue stream for tobacco farmers and others in the agricultural sector and reflected a growing understanding of the many different properties inherent in the cannabis plant.

This understanding has only continued to evolve, as, in 2022, Zimbabwe began allowing hemp to be used in medicines. And in 2023, Zimbabwe defined the difference between marijuana and hemp as a THC content of 1%. As such, hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) products containing 1% THC or less are legal in Zimbabwe.

Many countries, like the United States, operate on an entirely different threshold, mandating that any industrial hemp-based product must have no more than 0.3% THC. Otherwise, it is considered cannabis.

Even in some parts of the United States where cannabis use for medicinal purposes is legal, like Texas, patients are limited to products with less than 1% THC content.

Recreational Cannabis Is Still Illegal

Despite lifting many of its more restrictive cannabis laws, the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe has yet to allow for recreational cannabis use.

While some African countries, like South Africa, have begun to legalize or decriminalize recreational cannabis for personal use, Zimbabwe officials have yet to signal approval for further legalization.

It must be noted that you should not mistakenly assume that a legal medical cannabis industry means that recreational use will be more likely to be tacitly permitted.

It is possible that the government could change its tune after reaping more and more financial benefits from legal medical marijuana, but this has not yet been the case.

Can You Grow Cannabis In Zimbabwe?

It does not seem to be the case that people can grow their own cannabis plants in Zimbabwe. As of now, you appear to need a license to grow cannabis. In the autumn of 2021, 57 cultivation licenses for cannabis production were granted.

The Bottom Line

Medicinal cannabis legalization in Zimbabwe is worth celebrating. The Zimbabwe government has not yet legalized recreational use but has shown keen insight into crafting smart cannabis policies, such as ending the ban on industrial hemp.

Hopefully, additional African countries will follow suit. There is still progress to be made, but thankfully, many patients in need can now use cannabis as a medicine.