Health Minister Ruth Aceng has denied all reports of issuing licenses to some companies to grow and export marijuana
Health Minister Ruth Aceng has denied all reports making rounds on social media that she issued licenses to some companies to grow and export marijuana for medical purposes.
In her statement, the Minister says the reports being circulated are of self-seekers.
“I have seen social media posts alleging that I am in trouble over cannabis and others saying I am dealing in cannabis. Unfortunately, some people always choose to circulate wrong information,” DR. Aceng said in her twitter handle.
The Health Minister said that she has not issued authorized cannabis growing in the country and cabinet is yet to decide on that a matter.
“Cabinet is yet to consider the feasibility of cannabis growing. Until I request the population to ignore the wrong media posts and treat them as baseless and malicious,” the Minister added.
The Health Minister this year presented paperwork for approval to the cabinet. The paperwork was containing the guidelines to be followed by companies when growing cannabis.
The guidelines included: a minimum capital of $5 million dollars and bank guarantee of shs 4 billion, a company should also have a tax clearance certificate from Uganda Revenue Authority, lists of employees and their job descriptions, a valid trading license, audited accounts and evidence of value addition to cannabis.
The guideline also shows that the marijuana farms/sites must not be located near residential areas, hospitals, schools and any associated business. The company details must be disclosed to the government including site design, a security system with access control systems and intrusion systems must be in place.
Growing of marijuana is used for treating severe medical conditions such as; arthritis, cancer, Parkinson disease and other neurological conditions.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health Dr Atwine agreed with Aceng’s stand.
“The cabinet discussed it. It was not resolved and they set up a subcommittee of the cabinet which made a report. It is yet to be discussed in cabinet and once that is done we shall know what to do,” Dr Atwine said.
Since last year their companies have registered for cannabis growing in Uganda. By April this year about 20 companies had shown interest in marijuana growing.
The companies that have shown interest in marijuana growing include the following; Industrial Hemp(U) Ltd, Together Pharma Ltd, Natgro Pharma( U) Ltd, Medraw( U), Urban Properties(U) Ltd, Prime Ranchers, Silver Seeds( U), Dave and Dave Group.
