Matana

What @News24 published is unsurprising. WE HAVE LONG WONDERED ABOUT THE LEGALITY ISSUES OF THE CANNABIS SHOPS WE SEE IN MANY MALLS ACROSS SOUTH AFRICA. People are currently allowed to grow for private consumption, not to deal in these shops. Indeed, the government has expressed a desire to grow the cannabis industry, and there are lots of people who want to be involved in the industry. But the legislative work to permit such trade is missing. Mainly, farmers and growers have permits to cultivate for medicinal and other uses. But the regulations for these shops remain very hazy. This issue needs closer attention. Again, I AM IN SUPPORT OF US EXPLORING THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY LIKE ANY OTHER COMMODITY IN AGRICULTURE. And these hazy legal issues must be cleared. This is something I will also work to look at closely. A few months ago, I underscored my view on the path forward briefly, stating that there is still room for advancing the cannabis and hemp industries in South Africa. But we can’t position these as major game-changers in our agricultural sector’s growth trajectory; they are mainly an addition, like other commodities. Still, some work remains to finalise the legislative and regulatory framework in this area. I know many people and organisations are working hard with the government to complete the regulatory matters. Others, like the good folks at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), are working to advance cannabis and hemp research and, importantly, seed breeding for this plant. I must admit, though, that we have been slow in this cannabis and hemp path. A few years ago, this was a hot issue. And now, globally, the mood is somewhat downbeat on cannabis. Still, that is no reason to change our focus in South Africa. These things move in cycles, as with other soft commodities. We need to ease the environment for commercial production and reduce the talk and announcements about the plant. The announcements often seek to position the plant as if it will solve all our problems, but that is not the case. We have been slow to provide a new, clear regulatory path for this plant, and the licensing fee has been somewhat prohibitive for some people. But my caution about the overexcitement about the plant isn't that I’m pessimistic. Indeed, it is likely that when we finally progress with cannabis and hemp research, regulations and a clear policy framework, the plant could create opportunities for cannatourism, particularly in rural areas of the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Limpopo. Of course, this plant won’t change life drastically, but it will add value. Importantly, we need practical ways to ensure production and value chains don’t develop primarily in long-established agricultural zones and in urban areas with better access to investment. Communities in the Mpondoland region of the Eastern Cape have been growing this plant in the shadows of the law for many years. They should benefit from its liberalisation, along with KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo. Incentives to drive the industry towards these regions will be necessary.