Zambia has approved the cultivation, processing and exporting of cannabis for economic and medicinal purposes.

The Lusaka Times newspaper reported that cabinet approved the move in principle at its December 4 sitting.

It quoted chief government spokesperson Dora Siliya as saying cabinet had directed the ministry of health to provide overall leadership and coordinate the issuance of relevant licenses.

The ministry of health will be tasked with ensuring that applicable policy guidelines and procedures are followed and that implementation is within existing policy guidelines and overall legal framework in consultation with relevant ministries and stakeholders, Siliya said.

The ministry will also be required to provide cabinet with a periodic update on the implementation of the decision.