It appears that cannabis's moment has arrived. Lobbyists agree that the time has come for it to come out of the shadows and start flourishing, not just as a crop, but as an investment opportunity for both the fiscus and business owners. The world cannabis market could reach upwards of US$630-billion in market value by 2040 -- and that has investors reaching for their rizlas. But one African country is lagging. Guess which.

It seems global governments and their citizens are now starting to better understand marijuana's value proposition: Health and wellness benefits -- some of which are yet to be fully understood -- along with financial and economic benefits from the taxation and regulation of business. North American industry especially is responding rapidly, scaling up its asset base, building brands and creating strategic partnerships. Africa is also awakening to the possibilities.

Independent journalist and cannabis activist Kevin Bloom says:

"There is a spectrum that sort of roams from decriminalisation in certain aspects to full legalisation. We have about 20 to 25 countries in the world and counting. There is a very definite global movement towards legalisation and towards recognition of the properties of this plant."

He adds that when...