Tanzanian authorities have moved to further restrict the space for debate and activism by threatening to arrest individuals seen wearing apparel that displays cannabis insignia, dashing hopes that the upcoming general election in October could bring legislative relief for the East African country, considered one of the biggest cannabis consumers on the continent.

The Commissioner General of the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA), this week issued an order declaring that anyone seen wearing clothes displaying cannabis imagery would be liable for arrest.

Aretas Lyimo made the statement in a speech not yet backed up by any official statement, public notice or government decree in support of the pronouncement, which the DCEA’s head made while presenting the country’s annual National Drug Report.

Speaking in Dodoma during the presentation of the 2024 National Drug Report, Lyimo stated that the move was being adopted as part of broader efforts to curb drug abuse and its negative influence on society. The drug enforcement head however indicated that provisions in the Drug Control and Enforcement Act prohibited the promotion of illicit drugs in any form, citing that branded clothing was not excluded and stating “anyone found wearing such attire will be held accountable."

He emphasised that clothing played a significant role in influencing perceptions and behaviour and society had an obligation to fight against the use of cannabis and other illegal drugs. 

Tanzania seized a record 2,300 tonnes of illegal drugs in 2024, with cannabis topping the list, followed by methamphetamine, heroin, and the synthetic opioid fentanyl.

The drug enforcement agency’s threat of legal action means that lobbyists such as Innocent Tigano Massinde risk legal repercussions; Massinde emerged as an eloquent promoter of legalisation earlier this year, calling on his government to repeal prohibitionist legislation in favour of adopting a “green gold” economy based on hemp, which he said could generate substantial revenue for Tanzania.

His was a lone voice in the proverbial wilderness as no opposition candidates of the 17 vying for presidential office in the October election has advocated for cannabis friendly legislation, despite a sprawling black market and busts for cultivation and transportation on an almost daily basis.

Up to 100 000 mainly young people are thought to be serving jail time for cannabis-related offences in Tanzania, mostly for possession of small amounts and Massinde had stated that cannabis law reform could  help the rehabilitation of such youths and unlock economic prosperity while empowering especially young people.

But with authorities warning against any form of promotion, voices such as Massinde’s are now likely to be lost in the swirl of tightening prohibition, ahead of the October vote, which the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi  (CCM) is widely expected to win.

Tanzania has some of the most draconian anti-cannabis laws in Africa with offenders risking up to 30 years in jail if convicted of possession or cultivation, despite its double distinction as host to the highest number of cannabis users in East Africa and one of the world’s leading cannabis producers.  Use and possession are banned in terms of the Drug Control and Enforcement Act of 2019.

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