A statement put out by MPL Thembeni KaMadhopha-Mthethwa says the Department “would like to call on all farmers interested in the production of hemp permits (sic) to apply for support at their nearest KZNDARD offices.”

Previously the KZN government announced that it would help prospective farmers with permit applications, seed provision and marketing. No budget or details of the support have been publicized.

DARD has also issued a list of the cannabis co-ordinators who will be supporting small-scale farmers in the various KZN districts. Their details, which department they are employed by, and their contact numbers are available here.

Hemp permit application forms are available online here at the KZNDARD website.

In order to qualify for a permit, the applicant needs to submit the following:

• Copy of ID

• Farm/site map with landmark

• Proof of land ownership (title deed, valid lease agreement/PTO indicating the expry date/whether its permanent and land size)

It says these applications must be hand-delivered at your nearest KZNDARD district or local office.

Hemp permit applications also need the signature of the local police station commander. Anyone convicted of cannabis dealing offences has to declare this (and probably won’t be eligible for a permit). It encourages youth, women and people with disabilities to apply.

Permits cost R714 each, but there are a lot of other tariffs in terms of the Plant Improvement Act, which are detailed here.

Meanwhile, the DTICC is working on a hemp policy document that will see the THC percentage limit in hemp being raised from the current 0,2% to 2%.

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