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Cannabis in Eswatini (Swaziland) is a traditional crop called insangu in Swazi.^[1] The plant is subject to drug control and remains illegal in almost all cases.

The local traditional plant variety (Cannabis strain) is known as "Swazi gold"; it is often bioprospected^[2] and commands a high price due to its reputation for potency,^[1] making it a genetic resource at risk of biopiracy.^[3]

History and Culture

History

Arrived centuries ago, Cannabis has a long history in eSwatini, with early archaeological evidence dating back around 1200 CE after Arab merchants brought the plant from Asia.^[2]

Culture

Besides being illicit, Cannabis remains widely grown in the country, and used for a variety of purposes. In 2006, a report of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime recognized eSwatini as one of the major producers in Southern Africa.^{[citation needed]}

Illicit trade

Reportedly, Nigerian criminal syndicates are involved in the trade, with the best-quality cannabis being sent to Europe via South Africa and Mozambique.^[4]^[5]

Legislation

Reform

In 2017, a group of Members of Parliament announced that legalizing cannabis in eSwatini could add US$1.63 billion to the economy, potentially tripling the Gross Domestic Product.^[6]