The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has raised concerns that the Section 21 provision of the Medicines Act is being misused.

This comes as more “grey zone” cannabis outlets claim to provide Section 21 services, which, in reality, often serve as an excuse to sell cannabis for non-medical purposes. Synergy Wellness, an “online Section 21 Medical Cannabis Approved Patient Card Service Provider and network supplier,” stands out as a legitimate intermediary connecting medical patients with doctors.

Brett Hilton-Barber, publisher of Cannabiz Africa, spoke to Jon Hodes, Chief Executive Officer of Synergy Wellness (pictured 2nd right above), to learn more about the company and its operations.

BHB: What is the estimated size and potential of the medical cannabis patient market in South Africa?

JH: The medical cannabis market in South Africa is still in its infancy but shows encouraging signs of growth.

Year-on-year increases in patient numbers reflect a growing recognition of cannabis as a legitimate therapeutic option for chronic conditions.

The potential is significant, especially as more healthcare providers and patients gain a better understanding of its benefits. While the market is still in its early stages, with the right infrastructure and regulatory support, South Africa could develop a sustainable medical cannabis sector serving tens of thousands of patients in the near future.

BHB: To what extent do you think Section 21 is being misused?

JH: Section 21 of the Medicines and Related Substances Act is a crucial regulatory framework, allowing patients with unmet medical needs to access unregistered medicines under strict oversight. At Synergy Wellness, we ensure compliance with this process by facilitating thorough medical consultations, submitting detailed applications, and adhering to SAHPRA's rigorous standards.

Concerns about misuse in the broader market are understandable. However, the significant effort required to obtain authorisation—through legitimate consultations, detailed documentation, and regulatory reviews—acts as a strong safeguard. Nonetheless, industry vigilance and collaboration with regulators are vital to maintaining the integrity of this process.

At Synergy Wellness, we see the transformative impact of holistic, patient-centred care, particularly for those with chronic ailments such as pain, insomnia, and anxiety. Ethical responsibility drives us to offer alternative therapies like medical cannabis, which can break cycles of dependency on pharmaceuticals.

A memorable case involves a mother who brought her young child to a doctor, carrying a bag nearly the size of the child, filled with prescribed medications. Stories like this illustrate the importance of safe, alternative treatments like medical cannabis in improving patients’ quality of life sustainably. By upholding ethical practices, collaborating with regulators, and prioritising patient well-being, Synergy Wellness aims to provide a necessary service to those who require it.

BHB: How did Synergy Wellness begin, and what has been its cannabis journey so far?

JH: Synergy Wellness was established to provide South African patients with safe, high-quality access to medical cannabis. Recognising gaps in the market, we created a platform to simplify access while ensuring full regulatory compliance.We began by offering seamless onboarding, including online applications, consultations with qualified doctors, and secure verification. Today, our services go beyond onboarding to include turnkey solutions for collection points, branded apps, and infrastructure supported by healthcare professionals.

In 2024, we launched the Synergy Wellness Academy, an online training portal for healthcare professionals to learn about the endocannabinoid system and medical cannabis. Through partnerships with local producers, we ensure all products meet the highest standards of safety and efficacy, expanding access to new communities.

BHB: What is the Synergy Wellness business model and strategy?

JH: Our business model is anchored in accessibility, compliance, and quality. Education plays a key role in empowering patients and healthcare professionals with evidence-based knowledge about medical cannabis. We partner with suppliers who meet strict safety and quality standards, ensuring all products align with legal and ethical benchmarks.

Retailers also benefit from our infrastructure, offering medical cannabis as a value-added service while remaining compliant with regulations. Transparency and sustainability guide our approach, integrating patients, healthcare professionals, and suppliers into a cohesive, responsible ecosystem.

BHB: How does the Synergy Wellness medical cannabis patient scheme work, and what does it cost?

JH: Patients consult doctors within our network, who assess their condition and determine the suitability of medical cannabis. If approved, we assist with the Section 21 application to SAHPRA. Once authorised, patients can purchase pre-approved products through our platform. Costs vary depending on product, dosage, and treatment duration. We strive for transparency and affordability, advocating for reforms to make medical cannabis accessible to more South Africans.

BHB: How many medical cannabis patients has Synergy Wellness signed up?

JH: Since our inception, we have assisted thousands of patients across diverse backgrounds. This consistent growth reflects the rising demand for medical cannabis and the trust patients place in our services.

BHB: Where do you source cannabis flower for medical cannabis patients?

JH: nitially, we sourced products from Canadian producers adhering to medical-grade standards. As the local market has developed, we now partner with licensed South African producers who meet the same high-quality benchmarks. This dual-sourcing approach ensures reliable patient access to premium products.

BHB: What is your relationship with SAHPRA?

JH: SAHPRA plays a critical role in maintaining high standards for medical cannabis. Synergy

Wellness ensures all applications are submitted through SAHPRA’s prescribed processes, ensuring legal compliance and patient safety.

BHB: What is your relationship with Sika? Do they get a commission to sign up new customers for Synergy Wellness?

JH: Sika is a service provider to Synergy Wellness, assisting with third-party compliance at some of our pickup points. They earn their revenue from compliance services rendered to Synergy Wellness and other industry players. Their role ensures that operations at these locations remain streamlined, compliant, and customer-focused.

BHB: What has 2024 been like for Synergy Wellness?

JH: This year has been pivotal, with significant growth in patient enrolments and stronger partnerships with local producers. While navigating an evolving regulatory environment has posed challenges, we remain focused on enhancing patient care and accessibility.

BHB: What are your hopes for 2025?

We look forward to greater regulatory clarity, improved affordability, and expanded education for healthcare professionals. Challenges such as stigma and affordability remain, but through collaboration between industry, regulators, and healthcare professionals, South Africa has the potential to lead globally in medical cannabis innovation.

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