Minister of Agriculture Development and Food Security Dr Edwin Dikoloti has said growing of Industrial Hemp also known as Cannabis is prohibited and is punishable by law in Botswana. Responding to question by Selebi Phikwe West Member of Parliament, Dithapelo Keorapetse, Dr Dikoloti said there are laws in place which guard against production of hemp. “Industrial hemp is clearly prohibited in Botswana in accordance with First Schedule of the Planet Protection Act of 2007, Cap 35:02, and also according to the Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act of 2018, Part II Section 6 (1),” Dr Dikoloti emphasised. The section states that “any person who, without lawful authority, cultivates any plant which can be used or consumed as a narcotic drug or psychotropic substance, or form which a narcotic drug or narcotic substance can be extracted, commits and offence and shall be liable to a fine not exceeding P500, 000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 20 years or to both,”. Keorapetse had asked the minister to state if there is any law or rules and the regulations specifically prohibiting the growing of Industrial Hemp or use of its products in Botswana. He wanted the minister to…