The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) is a regulatory body established in terms of the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act (MASCA) [Chapter 15:03] Click here . The MCAZ`s mandate is set out in this Act and its accompanying regulations. It is also responsible for administering the Dangerous Drugs Act (Chapter 15:02) Click here and its Regulations, Dangerous Drugs Regulations (RGN 1111 of 1975) Click here on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
The Dangerous Drugs Act [Chapter 15:02] is an Act that provides for the control of the importation, exportation, production, possession, sale, distribution and use of dangerous drugs and it provides for matters incidental thereto. In terms of Section 6 of the Dangerous Drugs Act [Chapter 15:02] , the Minister of Health and Child Care published the Dangerous Drugs (Production of Cannabis for Medicinal and Scientific Use) Regulations, 2018 [S.I 62 of 2018] Click here.
The S.I. 62 of 2018:
- Legalized production of Cannabis for Medicinal and Scientific Uses
- The S.I. 62 of 2018 provides for two types of licences:
- Cultivation and Research of Cannabis (Research and Development).
- Cultivation and Production of Cannabis (Production for export purposes as well as Research & Development activities)
- The Cannabis produced is currently for export purposes only. Local use of Cannabis produced in Zimbabwe can only be in the form of research and development.
- Licences are Valid for five (5) years from the date of issue.
MCAZ therefore administers the S.I. 62 of 2018 on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Child Care. MCAZ works with various stakeholders to ensure that medicinal Cannabis, is handled effectively and legally throughout the supply chain, including overseeing destruction of any such products where so required. The MCAZ also published Guidelines on the Production of Cannabis for Medicinal and Scientific use which provides general guidance and additional advice and support for the S.I. 62 of 2018.
Click below to download the Guideline, Process flows and Frequently Asked Questions:
The MCAZ also maintains a database for all the holders of licences to produce Cannabis for Medicinal and Scientific purposes :
The MCAZ has a Quality Control laboratory “MCAZ Cannabis Lab” dedicated for testing Cannabis and its products. The MCAZ Cannabis lab is mandated to test and determine the Total Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content of all Cannabis and Industrial Hemp related samples meant for use and export. The difference between Medicinal Cannabis and Industrial Hemp is the content of their psychoactive component delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (△9 THC). According to the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Amendment Act 2023 section 155 of Cap. 9:23 “Industrial Hemp means the plant Cannabis Sativa L and any part of that plant, including the seed thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts and salts of isomers, whether growing or not with a delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than one per centum (1%) on a dry weight basis.
Click below to download the Guideline for Sample submission and MCAZ Cannabis Lab Brochure: