The LHCFA is barely three years old but has already taken the lead in driving the development of a sustainable cannabis industry in the province.
Much of that is due to the energy of chairperson Jennifer Badane who’s says Limpopo is ideally poised to take advantage of opportunities in the new cannabis economy. She says the climate is ideal for cannabis cultivation, and the hemp sector opportunities include fibre processing, seed oil extraction and seed multiplication and cosmetics manufacturing.
The LHCFA’s Capricorn District Launch is taking place on 14 November 2025 at Mapungubwe City Lodge – 88 Second street , Dalmanda A.H, Polokwane, from 9 am. For further details contact 072 429 2360
Badane says the Capricorn District launch marks a significant step forward in “driving awareness, education and empowerment within the cannabis sector in Limpopo.”
She says the LHCFA’s main objectives are to unite licensed hemp and cannabis farmers across Limpopo, strengthen coordination within the sector, and facilitate access to markets, training, and research partnerships.
“The Association also aims to promote compliance, sustainable cultivation, and value addition through local processing, ensuring that the benefits of the cannabis economy reach rural communities and smallholder farmers” she says.
The LHCFA is working closely with the approximately 126 hemp permit holders and smaller number of traditional cannabis growers operating under community-based or research-linked initiatives to “formalise and transition them into compliant and sustainable production systems”.
LHCFA provides farmers with technical guidance, linkages to research and training institutions, and representation in provincial and national policy forums. The association also facilitates access to incubation, offtake partnerships, and funding opportunities through strategic collaborations. District forums are used as support platforms for information sharing and collective advocacy.
2025: The year Limpopo;s hemp and cannabis sector came to the fore
Among the LCFA’s achievements this year have been:
· Hosting the Collaborative Cannabis Summit in June in partnership with the University of Venda, the Department of Agriculture, and the Vhembe District Municipality, bringing together stakeholders from research, government, and industry to strengthen sector collaboration;
· Partnering with the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to incubate two traditional cannabis-growing communities in Vhembe — Songozwi and The Promised Land — under the African Legacy Program, promoting research, inclusion, and sustainable development.
· Twinning cannabis and moringa development – last month the LHCFA participated in the first Regional Moringa Conference hosted by the University of Limpopo, where, together its partner WeWorkHemp, conducted a live hemp fibre processing demonstration, which became one of the major highlights of the event.
Badane says two projects need to be highlighted:.
* The African Legacy Program for Traditional Cannabis Growers, implemented with CSIR and ARC, which supports two Limpopo communities transitioning into formal cultivation.
* The CBD-Infused Wellness products developed through JoAnne Herbs Farm, Laedza Green and Brocolli Sweets in collaboration with CSIR which showcases the province’s growing innovation in hemp-based products.
Additionally, the LHCFA has been actively involved in awareness campaigns and workshops with traditional leaders and chiefs across districts, in collaboration with the Provincial Department of Agriculture, to educate communities on compliance, licensing, and emerging opportunities within the cannabis and hemp sectors.
Key strategy is to develop the right linkages within the sector
“We have also held a courtesy meeting with the Office of the Premier, where we formally introduced the association and established a foundation for ongoing collaboration with the province’s political leadership” Badane tells Cannabiz Africa. “Importantly, the LHCFA forms part of the Limpopo Cannabis Forum, which brings together all key stakeholders in the provincial cannabis value chain”.
“Through this platform, we have played an instrumental role in shaping both the Provincial Cannabis Masterplan and its implementation framework, ensuring that farmer interests and community-based development remain at the centre of Limpopo’s cannabis strategy”.
What about the hemp seed supply issue that has been affecting other provinces. Has Limpopo had similar problems?
“Yes, Limpopo has also experienced challenges related to limited certified hemp seed supply. However, through our collaboration with ARC and the provincial Department of Agriculture, we are addressing this by securing procurement of the ARC registered seeds for farmers who are in line with the compliant standards and ready to cultivate.
Looking ahead into the new year
“Going forward we are planning on prioritising local seed multiplication and propagation trials to develop climate-suitable hemp varieties for Limpopo.”
And other challenges?
Badane replies that “Key challenges include restricted access to funding, limited infrastructure for processing, regulatory uncertainty, and market access barriers. Additionally, the gap between traditional cannabis growers and commercial hemp entrants remains a concern, and managing this dynamic requires inclusive strategies and practical support mechanisms.”
And the main opportunities?
“Limpopo’s climate and available arable land make it ideal for industrial hemp and medicinal cannabis production. There are strong opportunities in hemp fibre processing, seed oil extraction, animal feed, seed multiplication, biochar production, and cosmetics manufacturing, supported by research institutions such as UNIVEN, UL, and CSIR. The province also has potential to become a regional leader in green economy innovation and agro-industrialisation.”
So then, the outlook for the 2026?
Badane concludes: “By 2026, Limpopo is expected to have a fully operational provincial framework supporting commercial hemp production and regulated cannabis trade. The focus will shift from small-scale trials to commercial-scale cultivation, processing, and export readiness, with stronger integration of traditional growers and the establishment of local processing hubs at a central areas”.
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