A new cannabis advocacy organization has been officially launched in Botswana. The Cannabis Association of Botswana (CAB) is a newly-formed non-profit association registered with the Registrar of Societies, with the aim of helping  “reshape the nation’s approach to cannabis use, policy, and industry development”.

CAB was launched at the Pond CBD in Gaberone at the end of April 2025 themed around ‘community, advocacy, and economic opportunity. Business Weekly reported on 24 May 2025 that the event bought “together entrepreneurs, advocates, artists, and curious citizens eager to engage in discussions and experiences centred on cannabis as a driver of sustainable growth and cultural preservation, this multisectoral approach aligns with what has been presented as a new national outlook.”

One of CAB’s keuy aims is to decriminalize cannabis. The association emphasizes that cannabis should not just be viewed through a criminal lens, but as a plant with immense potential for medical, industrial, cultural, and religious applications.

CAB’s says its mission is unequivocal: “To end the criminalization of cannabis possession and establish pathways for Batswana to thrive as leaders and key beneficiaries in the cannabis value chain.”

Speaking to the inclusive approach that inspired their establishment, CAB President Peo Seed, CAB emphasized:

 “Instead of only focusing on creating jobs, Batswana must develop and advance in the cannabis industry as entrepreneurs and business owners – from small scale to large scale”, adding that “beyond business and entrepreneurship, CAB is set to influence the shaping of national policies related to cannabis”.

CAB’s establishment comes at a critical time for Botswana as the country seeks to diversify its economy beyond mining. Cannabis represents a promising new frontier. Industrial applications of cannabis – such as using hemp for textiles, construction materials, and biofuel – offer sustainable alternatives that align with Botswana’s broader economic and environmental goals.

Across the African continent, governments have been exploring the positive impact that the plant can have on their national balance sheet. By advocating for evidence-based regulation and responsible commercialization, CAB aims to ensure that Batswana are positioned not merely as consumers but as producers, innovators, and industry leaders – furthermore enabling international investment and in-country development.

President Duma Boko told the Eastern and Southern Africa Commission on Drugs (ESACD) conference in Gaborone in April, that “drug policy reforms must be harmonised and be consistent with quality standards. They must address any legal ambiguities and create robust regulatory frameworks”; further stating that his administration is not oblivious to the negative impacts of misuse and is prepared to develop mitigation strategies simultaneously.

CAB hopes that its initiative will open up dialogues around cannabis regulation. With South Africa and Lesotho having already paved way and neighbouring countries exploring cannabis legalisation for medical, industrial, and even recreational purposes, Botswana’s deliberate and structured approach could serve as a model for balancing innovation with cultural and social considerations.

In pursuit of these goals,

CAB announced the launch of its public education engagement series under the theme, Know Thy Plant. By hosting these dialogues, CAB seeks to demystify cannabis, dismantle stigma, and build citizen participation in the policymaking process.

As Peo Seed noted, “public education, citizen involvement, and engagement in policy development are vital to ensure an inclusive and informed cannabis ecosystem”. 

CAB hopes to grow through collaboration with local and international stakeholders, allowing it to serve as a hub for education and research, ensuring that policymaking is rooted in evidence, inclusivity, and social equity. It has invited individuals, organisations, and members of the Batswana diaspora to join their movement for “a more open, equitable, and prosperous cannabis network”

Whether through advocacy, entrepreneurship, education, or cultural engagement, CAB’s vision offers opportunities for all who believe in the power of the plant and the potential of Botswana’s people.

As the first cannabis-focused association in the country, CAB’s launch marks more than an event, but the beginning of a transformative journey toward economic diversification, social justice, and citizen empowerment.

For all that the country is looking forward to as it approaches six decades of self-governance, it is undeniable that the polarised conversation around cannabis will persist; however, with the existence of the Cannabis Association of Botswana as a recognised body, perhaps there will be more nuance and consideration applied.

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