Cannabis in Madagascar

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

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]

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. Gwyn Campbell (3 April 2012). David Griffiths and the Missionary "History of Madagascar". BRILL. pp. 437–. ISBN 978-90-04-20980-0.
  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.
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