A cabinet meeting chaired by Rwandan President, Paul Kagame on Monday approved regulatory guidelines on cultivation, processing, and export of “high-value therapeutic crops” such as cannabis.

This comes as the government targets to grow its export earnings from the global cannabis market, valued at the $345 billion, according to analysts New Frontier Data. But the use of the stimulant for medical or recreational purposes remains illegal in the country.

“This will not give an excuse for drug abusers and dealers. The law against narcotics is available and it will continue to be enforced,” Minister of Health Dr. Daniel Ngamije said Tuesday. Reports say the decision has caused confusion with experts warning it could be detrimental to the youth if tough controls are not enforced.

Read more on: The EastAfrican