Despite the controversy over whether or not government has really licensed an Israeli firm to grow and export medicinal marijuana, Matooke Republic has learnt that an Israeli-linked company (Industrial Hemp [U] Ltd) is to start exporting medical marijuana in June this year. Industrial Hemp (U) Ltd will be supplying the marijuana to Canada and Germany in fulfillment of a contract worth Shs600 Billion (USD 158 billion), set to run over 10 years is .
“We signed annual supply contracts with pharmacies in Canada to a tune of $100m (Shs371.8 billion) and €58m (Shs242.3 billion) for Germany… the current contracts run for 10 years but along the way, we shall expand to satisfy future demand,” says Mr. Benjamin Cadet, one of the directors at Industrial Hemp (U) Ltd, a private firm jointly working with an Israel company.
Cadet says marijuana is not totally disadvantageous as people think, he says it has a lot of medical values and can be of benefit if lawful regulations are put in place.
“People are using morphine, the main component of opium, as an analgesic for cancer pain. Opium is an Opioid and more addictive and with side effects yet Cannabinol (CBD) from medical marijuana is the best option for such patients…Cancer patients are using CBD illegally. We have the scientists and the technology to do this but regulations are not in place to allow cannabis drugs be manufactured for domestic consumption,” he said.
However, the source revealed that although the contract is still being fulfilled, a five-member Cabinet sub-committee chaired by the Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda alongside Health minister Jane Ruth Aceng, Trade Minister Amelia Kyambadde, Finance Minister Matia Kasaija, Agriculture Minister Vincent Ssempijja and Internal Affairs Minister Gen JejeOdongo, are today set to discuss the dangers and benefits of medical marijuana.
The Cabinet sub-committee was tasked to look at the health and financial benefits from medical marijuana, one of the money-spinning, but highly sensitive ventures. The committee is expected to table its findings to
This will determine the fate of the over 20 companies that have already sent letters to Health Minister Dr. Aceng requesting to grow marijuana for medical purposes.
The First Lady and Education minister,Ms Janet Museveni has previously gone on record called the cannabis deal “satanic,” other ministers such as Dr Chris Baryomunsi, Dr Elioda Tumwesigye, Gen Kahinda Otafiire and Mr Hilary Onek have argued that Cannabinoids — the active chemicals in medical marijuana — are similar to chemicals the body makes that are involved in appetite, memory, movement and pain.
Since the story of Uganda growing and exporting medicinal marijuana broke, it has emerged that on December 7, 2017, Uganda exported unrefined cannabis buds/ flowers to South Africa’s National Analytical Forensic Services in Pretoria.
We have also learnt that so far, 20 companies have sent letters to Dr. Aceng requesting to grow marijuana for medical purposes. These are the 20 firms:
1.Industrial Hemp (U) Ltd
2.Together Pharma Ltd
3.Natgro Phama (U) Ltd
4.Medraw (U) SMC Ltd
5.Urban Properties (U) Ltd
6.Prime Ranchers
7.Silver Seeds (U) Ltd
8.Dave and Dave Group
9.Seven Blades
10.Cannops Africa
11.Quest Worths International Group
12.Premier Hemp (U) Ltd