Cannabis in Lesotho
Discover the Raising Industry of Cannabis in Lesotho (2023)
- Last Update: March 2023
- By: WeGROW Team
The Lesotho Cannabis industry is growing rapidly. The country has become a leading producer of medical cannabis in Africa, and the industry is expected to continue to grow. Lesotho has a rich cannabis culture, and the country's climate is perfect for growing cannabis. The industry in Lesotho is creating jobs and generating revenue growth for the economy.
Medical cannabis globally is becoming an increasingly popular treatment option for a variety of medical conditions. And while the production of medical cannabis is still in its early stages, more and more countries are beginning to legalize its production and distribution.
One country that is quickly emerging as a leader in the production of high quality medical cannabis is Lesotho. Lesotho is a small, landlocked country that is located in southern Africa. And while it may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of medical cannabis production, Lesotho has a number of advantages that make it an ideal location for this type of industry as this study shows and we will briefly present now.
The Mountains Kingdom of Lesotho
Lesotho has significant environmental and socio-economic advantages for the growing of high quality medical grade cannabis based on extensive experience with legendary landrace strains.
Lesotho introduced legislation to legalise the cultivation and use of medical cannabis in 2008. Under the Lesotho Drugs of Abuse Act and one of the first Southern African Countries to do this, spearheading the growth of this fast growing industry “Cannabis in Africa“. Worth mentioning, as its written in his official bio, Lesotho’s new Prime Minister has also been involved in the domestic cannabis sector.
The country has a supportive Government; attractive fiscal terms; and good infrastructure: roads, equipment supply, power, telecoms, water, and security. Lesotho’s pristine natural environment is very well suited to growing medical cannabis. It has an abundance of contaminant-free soils, clean water and extensive sunshine year round.
Up to 80% of the 2.2 million-strong population of Lesotho is dependent on subsistence farming. A livelihood that has been made more unstable by frequent and persistent drought. This is all according to a study by Julian Bloomer published here.
Commercial cannabis has the potential to change this. “Cannabis is going to set free this country,” says Dr. Emmanuel Letete, an economist in Lesotho’s Ministry of Development Planning. “Although people don’t see it yet.” Where the kingdom’s mountainous geography once meant that it missed out on big agribusiness opportunities, this time its altitude could be the key to its fortune. As a study by the International Labour Organization states in his research about the influence of the potential cannabis sector on employment in Lesotho.
Lesotho Cannabis Culture
For starters, Lesotho has a warm, temperate climate that is ideal for cannabidiol cultivation. And thanks to its location, Lesotho also has access to a number of key global markets, which helps to reduce transportation costs and increase profits.
But perhaps the most important advantage that Lesotho has is its well-developed infrastructure. Lesotho has a well-developed banking system, an extensive electrical grid, and a robust telecommunications infrastructure. This infrastructure is essential for the development of a medical cannabidiol industry, and it is something that many other countries lack.
All of these factors have helped to make Lesotho a leading producer of high quality medical cannabis. And as the industry continues to grow, Lesotho is well-positioned to become a global leader in this field.
Lesotho has long time relationship with Cannabis, or matekoane as it is pronounce by the locals. Cannabis has been grown in the mountains of Lesotho since the 1500’s. When the baKoena people tried it first. Long used as medicine by the native Basotho people. It’s easier to grow and more lucrative than other crops such as maize and sugar cane. The nation’s abundant water and fertile soil provide ideal conditions. Inline with all mentioned, the usage of recreational is still illegal in Lesotho and most of the local companies relay on the export of cannabis products to legal international markets like Germany or Israel.
Up to date the government of Lesotho issued over 150 licenses to qualified growers, only 8 of them are currently operated, and 3 are exporting globally – As the Wikipedia page mentions.
In Lesotho you can even discover the artisanal approach to cannabidiol production. Learn About Craft Cannabis and Its Benefits.
Export Cannabis from Lesotho
Cannabis exports from Lesotho to Europe are on the rise and many off-take agreements are signed each year. As the demand for medical cannabis products continues to grow and more cannabis distributors in Europe are looking to import cannabis to Europe. Lesotho is one of the few African countries to have legalized cannabis for medical and scientific purposes, and has been able to capitalize on this by becoming a leading exporter of medical cannabis products to Europe.
The cannabis products exported from Lesotho are high in quality and are in high demand in Europe. The products are exported to a number of different countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland according to strict EU-GMP standards. The exports are helping to create jobs and boost the economy in Lesotho, and the country is quickly becoming a leading player in the global cannabis market.
The cannabis industry is still in its early stages, and there is a lot of potential for growth. Lesotho is well positioned to take advantage of this growth, and is expected to see continued growth in the export of medical cannabis products to Europe.
Meet WeGROW in Lesotho
‘WeGROW’ has both its cultivation and processing facilities based 1,600 meters above sea-level in the mountains of Lesotho. Where clean air and peaceful environment ensure the growth of high quality cannabis plants according to strict EU-GMP Principles for cultivation, extraction and the processing of cannabidiol for the medicinal and pharmaceutical markets. Mainly exporting medical cannabis to Germany and other global cannabis markets.
The 60,000 square meter cannabis facility in Lesotho has 30,000 square meter of production space in a unique hybrid greenhouse environment and employs >100 members of the surrounding communities.
The greenhouse is built to harness the power of the sun and improve the quality of the cannabis flower. The unique greenhouse design utilizes the power of the sun to increase terpenes and resin development throughout the life cycle of the plant. This unique growing technique, paired with innovative processing techniques, allows for a finely cured and polished product that consumer across Germany enjoy.
WeGROW’s products are reliable because each variety contains a consistent amount of cannabinoids and terpenes. They are also free of contaminants such as microbes, pesticides and heavy metals. These qualities make WeGROW cannabis products reliable and safe for patients, while ensuring distributors a safe route to import cannabis from Africa.
Energy Efficient
WeGROW is producing at highest quality in a facility that sets the gold standard for the cannabis industry. Our greenhouses are powered by sunlight to provide optimal growing conditions.
Accessible
Compassionate pricing is a game-changer that not only subscribes to our values of accessibility for all, but makes us highly competitive as a supplier to international markets.
About WeGROW's Organic Rich THC Medical Strains
WeGROW has developed a unique genetic portfolio of 13 stable high demanded medical grade strains backed with years of successful reputation import medical cannabis to Germany. These strains are highly THC concentrated and specially adopted for chronicle pain syndromes.
Interested in Hearing More?
Leave us a message and one of our team members will get back to you ASAP
Share / Send
Quick Navigation
Subscribe for Updates
Share / Send
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about the medical cannabis industry in Lesotho
What is the status of the cannabis industry in Lesotho?
Lesotho legalized the cultivation and sale of medical cannabis in 2017 and has since become a significant player in the global cannabis market. The country’s favorable climate, low labor costs, and supportive regulatory environment have made it an attractive destination for international cannabis companies looking to produce high-quality, low-cost medical cannabis for export.
What is the process for obtaining a license to cultivate and export medical cannabis in Lesotho?
The Lesotho government has established a licensing framework for the cultivation, production, and export of medical cannabis products. Interested companies must apply for a license through the Lesotho Ministry of Health and meet certain criteria, including demonstrating their ability to comply with international quality standards and ensure the security of their operations.
For example, a company seeking to obtain a license to produce medical cannabidiol in Lesotho would need to submit a detailed business plan, security plan, and evidence of their financial stability and compliance with relevant regulations.
What are the benefits of exporting medical cannabis products from Lesotho?
Lesotho’s favorable climate and low labor costs make it an attractive location for cannabis cultivation, and the country’s supportive regulatory environment provides certainty for international companies looking to invest in the industry. Additionally, Lesotho’s proximity to major markets in Europe and Africa makes it an ideal location for exporting medical cannabis products to these regions.
For example, a company that exports medical cannabis products from Lesotho can benefit from lower production costs compared to producing the same products in other countries, which can translate to higher profit margins.
What are the regulations surrounding the export of medical cannabis products from Lesotho?
Lesotho’s regulatory framework for the export of medical cannabis products is designed to ensure the safety, quality, and efficacy of the products being exported. Companies must comply with international quality standards and undergo regular inspections to maintain their licenses. Additionally, all medical cannabis exports must be authorized by the Lesotho government and comply with the import regulations of the destination country.
For example, a company that exports medical cannabidiol products from Lesotho would need to ensure that their products meet the quality standards of the importing country and comply with any relevant import regulations, such as packaging and labeling requirements.
What is the potential for growth in the cannabis industry in Lesotho?
The cannabis industry in Lesotho has significant potential for growth, particularly in the export of medical cannabis products to global markets. The country’s supportive regulatory environment, low production costs, and favorable climate make it an attractive destination for international companies looking to invest in the industry. Additionally, the global market for medical cannabis products is projected to grow rapidly in the coming years, providing opportunities for growth for companies operating in Lesotho.
For example, a company that invests in the cannabis industry in Lesotho now may be well positioned to benefit from the projected growth in the global medical cannabis market in the years to come.