The Essay: Herb

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The Essay: Herb: Burkina Faso's Incorruptible People and the Drum

Herb

Burkina Faso's Incorruptible People and the Drum

BBC Radio 3 - The Essay, Herb, Burkina Faso's Incorruptible People and the Drum

Colin Grant examines the relationship between cannabis and the global poor.

Writer Colin Grant explores the relationship between cannabis and subsistence farmers in Africa and how the growth in legalised, marketed 'weed' might impact them.

Writer Colin Grant examines the implications of evolving attitudes to cannabis use in the 21st century. Recalling a trip to Burkina Faso some years ago, Colin explores the relationship between cannabis and the local community he encountered there, and how the boom in acceptance of the drug worldwide, for both medical and recreational purposes, has led to ‘green’ venture capitalism – and possibly a net loss for those subsistence farmers he met on his trip. 

While the 20th century was replete with prohibition, the 21st century is rediscovering tolerance. From Canada to South Africa, Georgia to Uruguay and numerous US states; the legalisation of cannabis appears to be snowballing. But, Colin asks, what might it really mean to those who produce and consume it?

Producer: Kirsty Pope
A Far Shoreline production for BBC Radio 3

Live music and the arts: broadcasts more live music than any other radio network. Classical music is its core. Genres include world and new music, jazz, speech and drama.

Writer Colin Grant's personal take on the cultural history of cannabis.

In a landscape in which almost all discussion about cannabis is polarised, writer Colin Grant seeks to explore a range of more nuanced aspects of the drug.

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