South Africa is one of only four African countries that permit the cultivation of high-cannabinoid medical cannabis, either under licence for authorised sale or export, or unlicensed for private consumption.
Recently, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development [agriculture department] also published guidelines for hemp cultivation for agricultural and industrial purposes. In accordance with the National Cannabis Master Plan, South Africa is laying the groundwork for a flourishing cannabis economy in line with international trends.
Nonetheless, it is time to ask a couple of important questions. First, is this regulatory process taking place fast enough? And second, are the legislative mechanisms stifling domestic enterprise, reinforcing the flourishing illicit market and further disenfranchising local communities who stand to benefit the most from a thriving cannabis economy?
Understandably, the state needs to regulate the cultivation of high-cannabinoid medical cannabis destined for sale or export by providing stringent compliance criteria. In this case, the product has to satisfy Section 22C(1) (b) of the Medicines and Related Substances Act No. 101 of 1965 (the Medicines Act) issued by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA). The rationale behind this, it would seem, is to protect the high quality and reputation of medical-grade raw material cultivated in South Africa and products manufactured here, as well as to ensure traceability to avoid fuelling the global market for illicit cannabis.
A HOST OF REGULATIONS
This story is from the March 04, 2022 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 04, 2022 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Review: the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4×4 GR-Sport III
The third iteration of the Hilux GR-Sport has finally achieved a sense of presence and style befitting its raceinspired branding. But is this the ultimate modern Hilux? Car Magazine takes a closer look.
Why maize prices soar in Kenya and Malawi but not Tanzania
Namhla Landani, an economist at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, and Arthur Khomotso Mahuma, economist and researcher at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, analyse the issue.
Wet carcass syndrome: a scourge in SA sheep farming
Wet carcass syndrome continues to take a huge financial toll on South African sheep farmers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to two experts about the ongoing genetic research aimed at addressing this issue.
Pollination innovation
Bee-Tech Group is transforming South African agriculture with pollination technologies that boost crop yields and enhance sustainability. Founder Michiel Bruggeman spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel.
The valuable addition that makes this farm tick
Owning the value chain provides farmers with far more control over their produce. However, it requires a fine balance between production and ensuring there is a strong and steady market. Lindi Botha visited Rosemary Hill to find out how this essential oil producer leverages hospitality to make the farm viable.
The benefits of recirculating aquaculture systems
A powerful set of attributes has established recirculating aquaculture systems as a cornerstone of global temperate fish farming, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.
Minister has big plans for emerging and commercial farmers
DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his priorities for his department over the next five years, including an increased focus on biosecurity.
New study aims to make wheat more disease resistant
A recent international study explains how bread wheat has helped to transform the ancient world on its path to becoming the iconic crop that today helps sustain a global population of eight billion.
Conservation farming and biodiversity boost soil health and sustainability
A recent academic event focused on research into the links between soil biodiversity, soil health and sustainable agriculture
What has led to the unparalleled rice shortage in Japan?
Japan is facing a rice shortage amid concerns about a potential 'megaquake', several typhoons and an annual week-long holiday, which has led to an increase in panic buying.