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Cannabis cash crop explodes internationally

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Ntsoaki Motaung
Ntsoaki Motaung
Ntsoaki Motaung is an award-winning health journalist from Lesotho, specializing in community health stories with a focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as HIV. She has contributed to platforms like "Be in the KNOW," highlighting issues such as the exclusion of people with disabilities from HIV prevention efforts in Lesotho. In addition to her journalism, Ntsoaki serves as the Country Coordinator for the Regional Media Action Plan Support Network (REMAPSEN). She is also a 2023 CPHIA Journalism Fellow.

… While Lesotho’s cancer patients suffer in silenc

Faced with an inquiry from the National Assembly’s Social Cluster Committee Chairman, Makhalanyane Mokhothu, about the export of cannabis while domestic patients, including those with cancer, lack access, the Ministry of Health delegation seemed visibly uncomfortable.

Leading the ministry’s delegation before the committee was Dr Lucy Mapota, Director of Clinical Services, alongside Director of Pharmaceuticals, Germina Mphoso, and Legal Officer ‘Masello Sello.

Mphoso explained that since the cannabis industry began operating in 2019, the country has seen indirect medical benefits. She noted that businesses are now exporting cannabis to other countries, with the government expecting to collect a 1.5 percent tax on these transactions.

Mphoso explained that since the cannabis industry began operating in 2019, the country has seen indirect medical benefits. She noted that businesses are now exporting cannabis to other countries, with the government expecting to collect a 1.5 percent tax on these transactions.

“However, we have not yet realised direct medicinal benefits for our citizens. We are still working on establishing a regulatory authority to manage this process,” she said.

She emphasised the importance of setting up a regulatory framework to oversee clinical trials, especially for cancer treatment, highlighting that cannabis could offer a more effective pain management option than the chemical narcotics currently available, with fewer side effects.

Mphoso further elaborated that cannabis has potential applications for conditions like epilepsy and arthritis, particularly for pain management, but precise dosing is essential.

Mokhothu challenged Mphoso for more precision, asking for exact figures in terms of kilograms or milliliters exported and how these exports have benefited the country specifically in the areas she mentioned.

He questioned: “We know that over 600 individuals are diagnosed with cancer each year and need treatment in Bloemfontein. What benefits are these patients receiving from our domestic medicine production?”

Mphoso responded candidly, stating: “Currently, there are no direct benefits. The benefits are indirect, and I do not have specific export data. However, we are exporting to countries like Australia, Portugal, Canada, and South Africa.”

Specialists have pointed out a significant increase in cancer treatment costs.

In 2015, Lesotho reportedly spent at least M145,000 per cancer patient for treatment. By 2023, this cost had reportedly escalated to M220,000 per patient.

Dr Kabelo Mputsoe, a Clinical and Radiation Oncologist, has previously shared alarming statistics on the rise of cancer in Lesotho, with 625 cases reported in 2023 and 750 new cases in 2024.

“All types of cancers are present in Lesotho, but the most common are cervical, breast, and prostate cancer,” she noted.

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