Zimbabwe has legalised the production of marijuana for medicinal and scientific purposes, making it the rare African country to turn the drug into a source of revenue.
A government notice by the health minister says individuals and corporations can apply for licences to grow marijuana, whose production and possession had brought up to 12 years in prison.
Recreational use remains illegal.
The decision is a marked shift from the traditionally tough stance on marijuana in the largely conservative country.
The tiny nation of Lesotho last year became the first in Africa to issue a licence for medical marijuana. Countries including Malawi and Ghana are reportedly exploring ways to legalise the drug.
A South African court last year ruled that private use of marijuana was legal but the government appealed.
