09 Dec 2019

Marijuana has been studied for medical purposes while most research has focused on more than 500 extracts including estimated 100 extracts named cannabinoids. 

The assistant minister of Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Mr Machana Shamukuni stated this when answering a parliamentary question from Member of Parliament for Selebi Phikwe, Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse.

Mr Keorapetse had asked the Minister of Tertiary Education, Science and Technology to update the house on international scientific researches and breakthroughs in medical marijuana and to state global and regional trends on the same including commerce. 

He had also asked the minister to state whether the country was interested in medical marijuana research .

The MP also wanted the minister to expalain whether there was commercial value in medical marijuana research. 

Mr Shamukuni thus stated that relevant laws would need to be reviewed before research on marijuana could be carried out as its use is currently prohibited in Botswana. 

He stated benefits of marijuana ranging from assisting in muscle relaxation, to slowing and stopping cancer cells from spreading as well as treating glaucoma.

The minister also cautioned against negative effects such as mental health problems and respiratory diseases among others. ENDS