THE Parliamentary Justice and Constitutional Affairs Committee has recommended legalisation of cultivation of a narcotic plant, known as bhang, to boost incomes.
The committee made the suggestion in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday when it met with the Anti-Narcotic Drugs Commission to discuss challenges facing the institution in combating use and trading in illicit drugs.
"There is need to legalise growing of bhang to enable people generate more income. Instead of uprooting the plants and burning them, people should be allowed to plant it as a source of income," suggested Temeke MP Abbas Mtevu (CCM).
Mbulu MP, Mr Mustafa Akunay (Chadema) said the government should issue permits to farmers to enable them grow the plants and export it to countries where such business is legal.
However, the Commissioner of the Drug Control Commission, Mr Christopher Shekiondo, told the committee members that the use and trading in narcotic drugs was illegal throughout the world.
Mr Shekiondo said at least 370-kg of heroine and 120-kg of cocaine worth 12bn/- was smuggled into the country during the first three months of this year.
The committee made the suggestion in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday when it met with the Anti-Narcotic Drugs Commission to discuss challenges facing the institution in combating use and trading in illicit drugs.
"There is need to legalise growing of bhang to enable people generate more income. Instead of uprooting the plants and burning them, people should be allowed to plant it as a source of income," suggested Temeke MP Abbas Mtevu (CCM).
Mbulu MP, Mr Mustafa Akunay (Chadema) said the government should issue permits to farmers to enable them grow the plants and export it to countries where such business is legal.
However, the Commissioner of the Drug Control Commission, Mr Christopher Shekiondo, told the committee members that the use and trading in narcotic drugs was illegal throughout the world.
Mr Shekiondo said at least 370-kg of heroine and 120-kg of cocaine worth 12bn/- was smuggled into the country during the first three months of this year.