The Cannabis Monopoly Playbook: How Global Regulation Protects Corporates and Excludes Communities
Guest columnist Lee Hymers takes a deep dive into the exclusionary patterns that drive global cannabis reform. Across the globe, the story is the same: regulatory systems favour a concentration of power amongst the big players to the exclusion of legacy growers, communities and entrepreneurs.
Surprise! Older Consumers Are Knocking Back More Cannabis Beverages Than the Youngsters
A new US study has revealed that older people drink more THC Beverages than Gen Z’ers and Millennials do. It’s also found an interesting alcohol-reduction pattern amongst cannabis drink consumers, over a third of whom are 55 years and older.
Govt Losing Billions in Tax Revenue as Illegal Cannabis Market Rivals Gauteng Tourism in Value
The illegal cannabis market, with an estimated value of around R36 billion, is about 77 times the size of the current legal market. That’s according to Euromonitor, which says a third of the illegal market could be brought into the tax net if government put the right regulations in place.
Private Cannabis Clubs Are Breaking Taboos and Developing Their Own Robust Culture
Euromonitor’s Christopher Day says that despite the lack of clear regulations, the private club movement is shaping South African cannabis culture and breaking down stigmas of social acceptability.
New ‘Remarkable Anti-Inflammatory Compound Discovered: Hello Cannabizetol (CBGD)
Cannabizetol (CBGD), is the latest cannabis compound discovered. According to Italian and Swiss scientists the new cannabis compound appears to have “remarkable antioxidant and skin anti-inflammatory” properties and continues to expand our knowledge of the plant.
Courier Company Under Investigation After R21 Million Linbro Park Cannabis Bust
A well-known courier company is said to be under investigation after this week’s major cannabis bust in Linbro Park, Gauteng. JMPD officers allegedly found evidence of company’s packaging during their raid in which 52 bales of cannabis with an estimated street value of R21 million was seized.
Brazil Becoming a Medical Cannabis Powerhouse
With over 670,000 registered patients and approximately 50,000 doctors prescribing cannabis for medicinal purposes, Brazil is poised to become one of the largest producers of medicinal cannabis worldwide. However, the main obstacle to expansion is the ban on flowers and THC.
Labat Blames Auditors for Late Financials, Gives Them the Boot as it Faces JSE Suspension
Labat has abruptly shown its external auditors the door, blaming them for its failure to submit the group’s latest financials to the JSE on time. Labat has appointed a new company to bring its books up to date as the threat of share trading suspension looms.
Let’s Talk Biofuels, Baby: Petro SA’s Green Ambitions Could Super-Charge the Industrial Cannabis Landscape
The Department of Energy and Mineral Resources is set to become a major player in the industrial cannabis sector as Petro SA incorporates hemp into its biofuels strategy. The state-owned fuel company is looking to procure huge volumes and is developing an offtake model for hemp farmers with plans to be in business by 2028.
Cilo Cybin Sets Expansion Sights Abroad, Sees No Point in Playing in SA Market Until There’s Regulatory Clarity
Cilo Cybin founder Gabriel Theron (pictured here) says he’s looking to export value added cannabis products into the Europe the UK and Israel now that the group is listed on the main bourse of the JSE. He says Cilo Cybin will sit on the local market sidelines until there’s policy clarity.