Medical Cannabis Regulation in Lesotho: Global Comparison, Local Challenges and Strategic Recommendations

Abstract

Background: The regulation of medical cannabis is rapidly evolving globally as attested by the changing societal attitudes, political shifts, and therapeutic health benefits. Lesotho was one of the first countries in Africa to legalise the cultivation and exportation of cannabis for medicinal purposes. Objectives: To explore medical cannabis regulations in Lesotho with stringent regulatory authorities, identify the pressing challenges, and attempt to make recommendations addressing them. Methods: An exploratory-descriptive qualitative research method. A thematic literature review was used to map the relevant data while identifying comparable themes and patterns between Lesotho and other countries. Literature was explored from published online sources, including Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct. Results: The United States, Europe, Lesotho, and six other countries were explored. Most countries have strict regulatory authorities that comply with international standards on regulation. Although Lesotho complies with the export market, more still needs to be done to regulate medical cannabis globally and locally adequately. Conclusion: The current medical cannabis regulation in Lesotho is intricate and challenging; Lesotho needs to partner with various stakeholders such as regulators, government policymakers, and healthcare professionals to develop systems and inclusive regulatory frameworks for evidence-based therapy that address local healthcare, socioeconomic, and global demands.