Cannabis in Madagascar

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Cannabis in Madagascar is illegal, but is produced and consumed domestically.

Contents

Terminology

Terms for cannabis in the Malagasy language include rangani [1] and zamal, with the latter term being popular on Réunion, though possibly originating in Madagascar and being re-diffused there by Reunionese workers. [2]

History

The discovery of cannabis pollen dating back two millennia on Madagascar has been cited as one of the points of evidence for the first arrival of the Malagasy people on the island. [3]

Local usage of cannabis was reported by foreign visitors in the 1700s and 1800s, and under King Andrianampoinimerina consuming cannabis was made a capital crime. [4] Cannabis use was rife amongst his courtiers, and the king decried the practice saying: "when you smoke hemp, you become half-witted... You smoke the long leaves and take leave of your senses; it is because of this I do not want it." [4]

Economy

Cannabis produced in Madagascar is primarily for local consumption, where it is described as "ubiquitous", [5] with some limited export to neighboring African countries. Cannabis is largely grown in the provinces of Mahajanga and Antsiranana in the north, and Tulear and Fianarantsoa in the south. [6] Some of the types of cannabis cultivated in Madagascar are "wild varieties". [7]

Legality

Cannabis is illegal in Madagascar, though widely used. Given its illegality, the plant Huperzia obtusifolia is sometimes used as a substitute, whether smoked or in infusions. [8]

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Cannabis in California has been legal for medical use since 1996, and for recreational use since late 2016. The state of California has been at the forefront of efforts to liberalize cannabis laws in the United States, beginning in 1972 with the nation's first ballot initiative attempting to legalize cannabis. Although it was unsuccessful, California would later become the first state to legalize medical cannabis with the passage of the Compassionate Use Act of 1996. In November 2016, California voters approved the Adult Use of Marijuana Act to legalize the recreational use of cannabis.

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Cannabis in Morocco has been illegal since the nation's independence in 1956, reaffirmed by a total ban on drugs in 1974, but is partially tolerated in the country. Cannabis has been cultivated in Morocco for centuries and the country is currently among the world's top producers of hashish. As of 2016, Morocco is the world's top supplier of cannabis.

Cannabis in Egypt Use of cannabis in Egypt

Cannabis in Egypt is illegal, but its use is a part of the common culture in the country for many people. Large-scale smuggling of cannabis is punishable by death, while penalties for possessing even small amounts can also be severe. Despite this, enforcement of the law is lax in many parts of Egypt, where cannabis is often consumed openly in local cafes.

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Cannabis in Chile is illegal for all production and public consumption, though private at-home consumption is allowed, but is widely consumed, with the highest per-capita use in Latin America. In 2014 Chile began clinical trials on medical marijuana, and in 2015 a decriminalization bill successfully passed the lower house of the Chilean Congress.

Cannabis in Japan is illegal. The drug was outlawed in 1948 Use and possession are punishable by up to five years' imprisonment and a fine. Cultivation, sale, and transport are punishable by up to 7 to 10 years' imprisonment and a fine.

Cannabis in the Netherlands Use of cannabis in the Netherlands

Cannabis in the Netherlands is illegal, but is decriminalised for personal use. Recreational consumption of the drug is tolerated, and it is available in coffee shops.

Cannabis in Sierra Leone is illegal, but is widely cultivated and consumed in the country, and exported to neighboring countries and to Europe. Cannabis is known locally as diamba.

Cannabis in Grenada is illegal. Cannabis possession is the most common drug offense on the island, and the annual prevalence of cannabis use amongst adults was reported as 10.8% in 2005.

Cannabis in China Use of Cannabis in China

Cannabis in China is illegal. However, hemp grows in China, and historically has been used for fiber, as well as for some ritual purposes within Taoism.

Cannabis in Réunion is illegal, but is grown illicitly and is locally known as zamal. It is used both recreationally and ritually.

History of cannabis

The history of cannabis and its usage by humans dates back to at least the third millennium BC in written history, and possibly further back by archaeological evidence. For millennia, the plant has been valued for its use for fiber and rope, as food and medicine, and for its psychoactive properties for religious and recreational use.

Cannabis in Liechtenstein is illegal with severe penalties for the production, sale, and possession of marijuana for medicinal or recreational purposes.

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References

  1. Deanna Swaney; Robert Willox (1994). Madagascar & Comoros: a travel survival kit. Lonely Planet Publications. ISBN   978-0-86442-196-8.
  2. Vera Rubin (1 January 1975). Cannabis and Culture. Walter de Gruyter. pp. 228–. ISBN   978-3-11-081206-0.
  3. Charles E.M. Pearce; F. M. Pearce (17 June 2010). Oceanic Migration: Paths, Sequence, Timing and Range of Prehistoric Migration in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Springer Science & Business Media. pp. 77–. ISBN   978-90-481-3826-5.
  4. 1 2 Gwyn Campbell (3 April 2012). David Griffiths and the Missionary "History of Madagascar". BRILL. pp. 437–. ISBN   90-04-20980-8.
  5. Graeme R. Newman (19 October 2010). Crime and Punishment around the World: [Four Volumes]. ABC-CLIO. pp. 124–. ISBN   978-0-313-35134-1.
  6. "Legal status of cannabis in Madagascar - Cannaconnection.com". www.cannaconnection.com. Retrieved 2020-12-03.
  7. Guy Arnold (2005). The International Drugs Trade. Taylor & Francis. pp. 192–. ISBN   978-1-57958-396-5.
  8. Gabriella Harriet Schmelzer; Ameenah Gurib-Fakim (2008). Medicinal Plants. PROTA. pp. 368–. ISBN   978-90-5782-204-9.