Although South Africa accounts for a tiny percentage of global cannabis trade, it is an important part of the bigger picture, with cannabis markets in Europe, the UK, Israel and Australia. Cannabiz Africa reports on international developments affecting the African cannabis and hemp sector as well as consumer market trends of interest to South African operators.
420 Day was traditionally about the cannabis community coming together to celebrate underground weed culture. But now in the age of legal cannabis, the 4th of April has become a retail marketing hook with a focus on customer acquisition and retention.
Ghana is looking to leverage the investment power of its citizens living abroad to boost its fledgling cannabis industry. To this end Accra is hosting the 6th Annual HempTech Conference on June 19th – 20th, 2026 to bring together international investors, policymakers, innovators, and diaspora leaders.
In a major policy announcement, the US Department of Justice has announced the reclassification of cannabis from a Schedule 1 drug to a Schedule 3. This has far reaching implications for medical cannabis research and business tax, but does not legalize adult-use consumption at a federal level.
UCT’s Law School is to host a major international cannabis policy conference at the end of June, bringing together global thought-leaders to develop sustainable and inclusive cannabis policies. The three-day event is open to the general public who are encouraged to participate in the programme.
Bob Marley’s estate has accused cannabis multinational Tilray Brands of fraud by deliberately hiding royalties payments due to the commercial heirs of the legendary reggae icon. The estate has filed a lawsuit to recover US$11 million it believes it is due.
Thailand’s move away from general adult-use towards a ‘medical only’ model has led to the decimation of that country’s ‘Grey Zone’. Of the 18 000 cannabis outlets facing closure, fewer than 15% are likely to continue under new regulations which specify that cannabis sales are for medical use only.
President Donald Trump has opened the door for psychedelic drugs to be used as a potential treatment for serious mental illness. He signed an executive order on 18 April 2026 that empowers the FDA to do this and put aside US$50 million for psychedelics research.
International collaboration is one of the pathways for marginalized cannabis communities to have their voices heard. Soweto Cannabis Association founder Tia Ramfate (pictured here) is to visit Canada to strengthen international ties for the AfuRaka Foundation she has launched.
The cannabis industry has a new center of gravity. In 2025, pre-rolls became the most-sold product category in the United States by unit volume, closing the chapter on flower’s long-standing dominance and opening a new era shaped by speed, scale and brand execution.
Greenwashing is the false presentation of products in order to secure EU GMP certification. It is becoming an increasingly common practice as multinationals exploit the ambiguities of global compliance. Guest writer Tom Hoban says it is a matter of time before these loopholes are closed down.
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