It’s the same conversation that’s been ongoing for the last seven years: government needs to implement cannabis legislation. The longer government takes, the more the black market thrives; the greater the damage done to the reputation of the legitimate advocacy groups working to regulate cannabis use, and the more frustrated the cannabis industry becomes.
It’s a bit like watching a tyre roll down a hill, you watch it gaining momentum, bouncing over obstacles and you close your eyes, so you don’t watch where it lands!
Something needs to change, but until it does, it appears that some sectors of the industry are attempting to regulate and legitimise their sectors. Most of these sectors are commercial, however, one of the non-commercial sectors of the industry that is currently drawing a lot of attention is cannabis clubs. Cannabis clubs appear to be the solution to one of the complications created by current legislation.
If you’re able to cultivate and use cannabis in private, surely there should be an avenue where you can safely obtain your cannabis if you can’t cultivate your own? Cannabis clubs seem to be the obvious answer!
They’ve been springing up all over the place, along with the many dispensaries and shops. Many clubs are just a means of making a quick buck, however, there are those that are focused on offering their communities the quality products and services they deserve. They build communities, offering their members a private space where they can acquire the cannabis products they desire in a safe environment.
They, in themselves, are harm reduction tools, by offering members private club spaces and tested cannabis products.
Considering that many of them have already established transparent, self-regulatory protocols with a non-profit, community-centred ethos, governed by their right to privacy, they appear to be the obvious choice to open up the non-commercial side of the industry. I
n order to validate cannabis clubs within the cannabis industry, it is vital that a cannabis club alliance or association be established. There needs to be an organisation that represents and speaks on behalf of all cannabis clubs, not only within industry, but also to Government.
We at Grow one Africa believe that cannabis clubs, representing the non-commercial sector, deserve recognition within the industry. The best way to achieve this is by being represented by an association that speaks on behalf of all cannabis clubs. We are 100% behind the South Africa Cannabis Club Alliance (SACCA) and will do all we can to offer them the support they require. I believe that cannabis clubs are the stepping stone to industry regulation.
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