DTIC: SA Cannabis Licensing System to be Completely Overhauled and Placed Under Control of a Central Cannabis Authority ASAP
The DTIC’s draft cannabis commercialization policy envisages the centralization of all licensing issues under one roof – that of a ‘central authority’ that will establish and oversee a completely new cannabis and hemp licensing regime in which retailers will be accommodated.
DTIC to Build ‘Cannabis Finance Eco System’ to Accelerate Funding for the Master Plan
The DTIC wants to fast-track the creation of financial instruments to support the National Cannabis Master Plan. It wants Treasury to come up with tax incentives for private investors and is to get Government to focus on funding legacy farmers and SMME’s across the value chain.
Thailand Restricts Cannabis to Medical Use Only
In a significant shift, Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has officially restricted cannabis use exclusively to medical purposes, rolling out new regulations aimed at preventing misuse and ensuring its benefits are channeled solely for health.
Namibia’s Prohibitionist Cannabis Laws Come Under Constitutional Scrutiny in the Windhoek High Court
Namibia’s legalization debate has come before the Windhoek High Court which has been called on to decide whether the ban on cannabis is consititutional. An application has been brought by the Ganja Users of Namibia (GUN) following months of intense campaigning against prohibition by the country’s cannabis activists.
So, What’s Stopping the Commercial Trade in Cannabis? These Are the Challenges Facing the Master Plan
The DTIC has identified the major challenges it faces in commercialising cannabis. The main one by far is the law. Until such time as crucial legislative changes are made, the trade in cannabis and related products is prohibited. But there are also nine other significant obstacles that need to be faced in implementing the National Cannabis Master Plan.
DTIC Unveils its Route Markers to Navigate SA Towards the Legal Trade in Cannabis
The DTIC has finally put the missing piece in the National Cannabis Master Plan jigsaw puzzle and has completed the picture of what South Africa can expect by way of a commercial cannabis framework. The DTIC has now put out for public comment its draft recommendations on the way forward and the framework it envisages.
DTIC Puts Commercial Cannabis Law Timeframe on the Table
The adoption of a commercial cannabis framework is to be put through the Nedlac process before a new law comes into force in 2027. That’s the DTIC’s time-frame for a complete overhaul of current cannabis laws which it’s laid out in its draft commercialization policy that is now out for stakeholder comment.
Trade Minister Tau: Legalizing ‘Recreational’ Use of Cannabis Will Have a Net Positive Social Impact’
Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau (pictured here) is the first cabinet minister to fully back the legalization of general adult-use cannabis consumption since the days of Tito Mboweni. He says ‘recreational use’ is less harmful than alcohol and minors can be protected through regulation and wants your input on the draft cannabis commercial guidelines his Department has put out for public comment.
DTIC DG Simphiwe Hamilton: Cannabis is All About Re-Imagining Our Industrial Policy for Economic Growth
DTIC Director General Simphiwe Hamilton (pictured here) is guiding cannabis policy development within the department which is the lead institution driving the National Cannabis Master Plan. He says cannabis is part of the Government’s ‘re-imagining’ of industrial policy and provides an executive summary of the draft policy document put out for comment.
Namibia High Court Ruling on Constitutionality of Cannabis Prohibition Set for 12 August 2025
The State has asked for more time to adjust its case in opposition to the legal challenge by cannabis activists to have Namibia’s prohibitionist laws to be overturned. A ruling on the matter has been postponed for over five weeks, prompting an accusation that the State is using delaying tactics to wear down the plaintiffs.