Cannabis in Eswatini

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

Swaziland;_two_young_men_seated,_one_of_them_smoking_hemp_Wellcome_M0005729
"Swaziland; two young men seated, one of them smoking hemp" (Wellcome Collections)

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]

References

  1. ^ a b IRIN | Growing marijuana to make ends meet in Swaziland
  2. ^ a b Duvall, Chris S. (2019). The African Roots of Marijuana. Duke University Press. pp. 26, 219. ISBN 978-1-4780-0453-0.
  3. ^ Duvall, Chris S. (2016-01-02). "Drug laws, bioprospecting and the agricultural heritage of Cannabis in Africa". Space and Polity. 20 (1): 10–25. doi:10.1080/13562576.2016.1138674. ISSN 1356-2576.
  4. ^ Africa: As Marijuana Growing Expands, Swaziland Begins to Ponder Hemp | StoptheDrugWar.org
  5. ^ A potential high for Swaziland economy. IOL.co.za; 25 August 2013
  6. ^ Dagga to Pump In E23Bn if Legalised. Swazi Observer, 2017-10-20
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