The health experts in the country have asked the Malawi government to carry out a research on how beneficial socially and economically will legalisation of Indian hemp or Chamba have over health well-being of the general public.
The appeal comes amid mixed reactions from the general public after, Boniface Kadzamira, Member of Parliament for Ntchisi North on May 18, 2015 put across the floor of the this current budget seating by urging the leadership of this nation to legalise Chamba saying it fetches more per acre than trees with potential to bring foreign currency due to its economic prowess abroad.
This is the second time the issue has been brought into the Malawi's national assembly after in April 2000, John Manduwa, the then deputy minister of agriculture made a similar proposal arguing that Malawi would benefit economically if Chamba could be legalized.
Later in 2013 Rastafarian community held a peaceful demonstration to ask government to consider legalizing the growing and use of the illicit drug which is being illegally grown across the country.
But since then, no any attempt has been made to open up for the general public to debate the issue for possible way as a nation which has also prompted Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS), a local media power house in Malawi to host a debate on Sunday evening, June 8, 2015, in the capital that experts on the matter could enlighten the general public which will lead the government to make right choice on the matter.
The debate attracted the legislators, Rastafarian community, health experts and general public who unpacked all issues surrounding the matter.
In his argument, Boniface Kadzamira, Ntchisi North Parliamentarian said Malawi was losing a lot in foreign currency which could finance the current zero-aid 2015/2016 national budget if the crop was legalised which according to him it fetches much money abroad due its product use after processing including clothes, cosmetics, papers, milk, biofuel, fibers boats among others.
"2015/2016 national budget was pegged at MK4.5 trillion but due economic hiccups is now at MK902 billion with a short fall of MK3.6 trillion. So, if the nation could take advantage of the global demand, for sure, Malawi was to have enough money to finance its activities.
"What I am proposing is an industrial hemp not a conventional hemp which has several health hazards than the latter. An industrial hemp don't have much health effects on people's which gives a lee way for the nation to cultivate easily as it doesn't require fertilizer and pesticides for its growth.
"Since 1916 many studies have shown positive side of the crops, this is the reason most developed nations including America, Canada, United Kingdom even here in Africa, in Egypt have legalised its growth. What we need actually as a nation is put mechanism of laws for one to grow it the way tobacco is being done", appeals Kadzamira.
Adding the her voice on the matter, Martha Kwatayine, Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN)'s Executive Director urges the Malawi government to carry the social-economic benefit analysis of the hemp towards Malawi's wellbeing saying Malawians are good at claiming their rights but fail to be responsible.
"No matter how good or the bad the crop might be, cost benefit analysis must be carried so that we have our own stand not taking what was found in other countries. From health point of view, an argument remains that Indian hemp has mental disorders on people and is addictive.
"The nation is struggling with alcohol abuse among young people what more will it be with the hemp. Malawians always want to claim their right but fail to manage it with responsibilities", challenges Kwatayin.
Echoing on the same, Dr Abel Kawonga of Medical Council of Malawi said the level of illiteracy Malawi has, it will be difficult for the general public to categorise between an industrial hemp and conventional hemp which according to him Malawi was not ready to adopt such a crop.
"Illiteracy levels are very high in Malawi, so, what if we bring the crop which has been illegal for years now, will the public going to understand it clearly of its purposes? We are going to have a mad nation. If we insist to have the crop, then, drastic laws and board should be put in place in readiness of it, otherwise, Malawi is not ready for legalisation of hemp", said Dr Kawonga.
According to botanic.com states that hemp has several uses including medicine which can be used for easing pain and inducing sleep or soothing influence in nervous disorders.
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