Main content

Burkina Faso's Incorruptible People and the Drum

Episode 2 of 5

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 ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 3

Available now

14 minutes

Last on

Tue 11 Jan 2022 22:45

Broadcast

  • Tue 11 Jan 2022 22:45

Death in Trieste

Death in Trieste

A 1760s murder still informs ideas about aesthetics, a certain sort of sex, and death.

Watch: My Deaf World

Watch: My Deaf World

Five compelling experiences of what it is like to be deaf in 21st-century Britain.

The Book that Changed Me

Five figures from the arts and science introduce books that changed their lives and work.

Download The Essay

Download The Essay

Download all the episodes from the series and listen at your leisure.

Podcast