Sika Investigative Solutions’ web-site, says it is a ‘cannabis compliance licensing and training service’ that supports the cannabis industry in three ways: license assistance, employee training and ‘law enforcement interaction’.

The latter includes: “Dealing with Police Services: Practical advice and role-playing scenarios to prepare your staff for potential encounters with the South African Police Services.’

Sika charges a sliding rate for its services, starting at around R3 600 per store.

Cannabiz Africa publisher Brett Hilton-Barber found out more about what an intelligence agency is doing in the cannabis business in this exclusive Q&A with Sika founder and CEO Sandy Gounder.

BHB. How is Sika involved in the cannabis industry?

SG: Sika Investigations plays a vital role in the South African cannabis industry by providing specialized compliance and regulatory support to cannabis businesses. Our primary mission is to help cannabis outlets operate within legal frameworks in a highly regulated environment. We assist clients in navigating national health and safety standards, conducting internal audits, and performing compliance inspections. By ensuring that cannabis businesses align with current regulations, Sika contributes to a stable and professionalized cannabis market and supports its responsible growth.

BHB: In your estimation, how big is the illicit cannabis retail market that is operating so openly in Jo'burg and other metros?

SG: The illicit cannabis retail market in Johannesburg and other major metropolitan areas is significant, with many outlets operating outside of regulatory compliance due to legal ambiguities. While exact figures are challenging to estimate, we know that a substantial portion of cannabis retail activity occurs within these unregulated channels. Sika’s work in supporting cannabis businesses to achieve compliance is essential in reducing reliance on grey-market outlets and fostering a safe, regulated industry as legislative frameworks continue to evolve.

BHB: What service do you offer cannabis outlets seeking to ‘legalize’ themselves pending a change in law allowing for the commercial trade in cannabis?

SG: Sika offers comprehensive compliance and advisory services tailored to cannabis outlets seeking to align with current legal standards in anticipation of future regulatory changes. Our services include regulatory audits, risk assessments, and compliance strategies that enable businesses to operate responsibly within the present legal framework. This preparation ensures that our clients are well-positioned to transition smoothly to fully compliant operations once regulations permit commercial cannabis trade, fostering trust with authorities and customers alike.

BHB: What is the compliance procedure they have to follow, and do they get some form of ‘clearance certificate’ to differentiate themselves from other ‘grey zone’ outlets?

SG: Our compliance procedure involves a thorough assessment of the outlet’s adherence to national health, safety, and operational standards, including Department of Health guidelines and other requirements applicable to retail operations Following this assessment, Sika provides a detailed compliance report that documents the outlet’s commitment to lawful operation. While this report is not an official ‘clearance certificate,’ it serves as valuable documentation to differentiate these businesses from grey-market outlets, showcasing their commitment to operating responsibly within the legal framework.

BHB: Does your service include the facilitation of ‘Section 21’ medical cannabis consultations, and if so, with which service providers?

SG: While Sika’s primary focus is on compliance, we partner closely with Synergy Wellness & Natural Medicines to facilitate patient access to medical cannabis under the Section 21 framework. Synergy Wellness has been assisting South African patients since 2019 by working with licensed doctors who evaluate each patient’s needs and submit Section 21 applications to SAHPRA. This partnership ensures that patients receive professional, legally compliant care supported by Synergy’s turnkey solutions for businesses offering medical cannabis access.

BHB: How many outlets/patients have you signed up?

SG: Sika has 60 ‘S21' collection points’ around the country hence it will be not fair for me to put in an amount of patients simply because we are not in control or have access to the SAHPRA database.  This is also due patient confidentially and the POPIA Act.. Through our services, we’ve helped a number of cannabis outlets transition from grey-market operations to compliant establishments, supporting safe and regulated access to cannabis products for patients and customers.

BHB. In terms of your compliance inspection mandate, who do you report to?

SG: Sika Investigations operates independently and is not contracted by any government agency, which allows us to maintain objectivity in our assessments. We conduct inspections upon request from the SAPS, members of the public, or our partner Synergy Wellness. In partnership with Synergy, we perform internal audits and quality control assessments to ensure that all collection points adhere to Synergy’s high standards, in alignment with Department of Health guidelines and other applicable regulatory requirements for retail operations. Our goal is to maintain a consistent level of professionalism and regulatory compliance across Synergy’s network in South Africa.

BHB. There appears to be no SAHPRA guideline as to where Section 21 patients can fulfil their cannabis flower prescriptions. Do you have access to a legal source of cannabis to offer such patients?

SG: Through our partnership with Synergy Wellness, we ensure that Section 21 patients can access their prescribed cannabis products from legally authorized sources. Each patient’s prescription is specific to them, and they may only obtain the approved products from the designated healthcare provider and collection point where their application was processed. Synergy’s network of licensed professionals, producers and manufacturers strictly adheres to national health standards, offering a safe, regulated environment for patients to receive their prescribed medical cannabis in compliance with all applicable regulations.

BHB: What is your relationship with SAHPRA and with the SAPS?

SG: Sika maintains a professional working relationship with both SAHPRA and SAPS, collaborating as needed to support compliance across the cannabis industry. While not formally contracted by SAHPRA, we align our services with relevant health and safety standards to ensure that clients meet regulatory expectations. Our collaboration with SAPS includes responding to inspection requests, assisting with public complaints, and supporting lawful cannabis operations through transparent reporting and cooperative compliance efforts.

BHB. What is your outlook generally on where the South African cannabis industry is, particularly the domestic market?

SG: The South African cannabis industry is at an exciting but challenging stage, with a high demand for both medical and potential recreational cannabis. However, legislative uncertainty and a lack of clear frameworks for compliant retailing have restricted the market’s growth. Sika is optimistic that as regulations develop, compliant cannabis businesses will have an opportunity to flourish. We anticipate that the market will evolve into a safe and regulated space that meets domestic demand while exploring international market opportunities.

 Sika in its own words:

Sika Investigative Solutions has been established as an Intelligence company. Our traditional business model is based on the accomplishment of working closely with the authorities.

Based on the decision of the company to diversify; we have now established this corporation in all provinces within the republic of South Africa.

In addition to Investigative and Intelligence, the company has invested portions of its assets in the purchase and sale of securities such as stocks and bonds as well as Forex trading on global markets.

With a history of Military and Law Enforcement background, over 30 years of experience, together with passionate people, Sika Investigative Solutions is set on providing tailor made, safe, reliable and efficient solutions to protect people, their assets and property with a focus on criminal intelligence which has earned us a reputation for excellence and customer service.

We believe that the current crime levels within South Africa detract from the potential of the Country’s growth and see ourselves in the ideal situation of being able to contribute to addressing this critical issue.

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