The Rwandan government has said yesterday through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), that it will begin issuing licenses for growing cannabis for medical use and export.

The announcement followed the cabinet’s decision on Monday that approved the regulatory guidelines on the cultivation, processing and export of high-value therapeutic crops.

The East African nation is set to start accepting applications for licenses from investors interested in cannabis, although consumption of Cannabis in the country is still prohibited.

The RDB said in a statement; “Medical cannabis produced in Rwanda is solely for export markets”.

It added that the government of Rwanda expects to generate significant export revenues and employment opportunities in high-value agriculture and agro-processing.

On his part, Rwandan Minister of Health Daniel Ngamije said the country has been importing cannabis for medical purposes but going forward, the country should be able to supply the herb.

He however warned that that relevant laws and guidelines on cultivating and exporting cannabis in Rwanda will be strictly implemented.

He said that the government will not condone the abuse of cannabis such as smoking, which is criminalized by the law.