Zimbabwe legalizes production of marijuana for medicinal, scientific use

Zimbabwe has legalized the production of marijuana for medicinal and scientific purposes, making it the rare African country to turn the drug into a source of revenue, AP reported. According to the health minister, individuals and corporations can apply for licenses to grow marijuana, whose production and possession had brought up to 12 years in prison. Recreational use remains illegal. Lesotho last year became the first in Africa to issue a license for medical marijuana, while countries including Malawi and Ghana are reportedly exploring ways to legalize the drug. A court in South Africa last year ruled that private use of marijuana was legal but the government appealed the ruling at the Constitutional Court.