SAHPRA-licensed Karoo Bioscience has put in the hard yards over the past five years to establish itself as one of South Africa’s major cannabis exporters. Under CEO Doron Isaacs it has become a high-tech, solar powered grow op that has transformed the fortunes of VanRhynsdorp residents as it is now the West Coast village’s biggest employer.
Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong has praised the company’s cannabis operations, highlighting its potential to boost rural economies, create jobs, and position South Africa as a global player in medicinal cannabis. He visited the Western Cape facility on 18 May 2026 as part of a promotional tour to highlight the Presidency’s Country Investment Strategy, which identifies sectors such as industrial cannabis and advanced agro‑processing opportunities linked to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Morolong said Karoo Bioscience was leading the cannabis sector by example.
“South Africa must seize the opportunity to become a leader in medicinal cannabis, ensuring that our products meet international standards and open doors to export markets” he said.
Located 300 km north of Cape Town in the Klein Karoo which is known for its arid air and cloudless skies, the facility has been described as a ‘spaceship in an arid, rocky landscape’. Here the climate classification is identical to the Hindu Kush region, the likely point from which cannabis’ global spread began.
Karoo Bioscience has invested R400 million in its VanRhynsdorp facility and is the town’s primary employer having created 115 permanent jobs. The company has set up an equity scheme for all permanent staff, effectively making them shareholders in the company.
According to its website, Karoo Bioscience consists of
– a tissue-culture laboratory, fully-indoor propagation, nursery and vegetative facilities,
– multiple large climate-controlled greenhouse rooms,
– and a post-harvest GMP facility that includes pharmaceutical-grade trimming, drying, curing and vault storage areas.
The agricultural (GACP) and manufacturing (GMP) sections are physically distinct and function independently.
Karro Bioscience produces flower in bulk and for final patient packaging, and its special varietals can be seen here
The facility operates almost entirely on solar power, is financially stable, carries no institutional debt, and will later this year undergo inspection by a European regulatory authority. The company has already exports to licensed importers in Australia, Portugal, Malta, Germany, the UK, and Switzerland.
“Facilities like Karoo Bioscience demonstrate how innovation in agriculture can generate employment opportunities for young people and women in particular ” said Deputy Minister Morolong during his visit. “Karoo Bioscience’s investment in renewable energy shows how cannabis production can align with our national goals of carbon neutrality and green growth”.
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