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.
For much of the modern cannabis era, product development has centred on two compounds: THC and CBD. But the industry is increasingly turning its attention to a wider group of plant molecules known as minor cannabinoids, including cannabinol (CBN) and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCv).
NHS psychologist Dr Max Permberton writes that it is madness using cannabis to treat mental health issues under current UK regulations. He says a handful of doctors who are not specialists in either mental health or cannabis have turned the system into ‘retail with a prescription pad’ without concern over grave consequences.
The consequences of the war in the Middle East are becoming increasingly evident throughout the horticulture chain, the medical cannabis sector included. Rising energy prices, more expensive raw materials, and higher logistics costs are forcing suppliers worldwide to increase their prices.
Sound familiar? Five years after it was legalised in the state, cannabis is seemingly everywhere in New York. But, business owners say that many legitimate outlets are struggling – largely because of a thriving grey market, and the complicated legal status of the US cannabis industry.
Twenty one people have been arrested, including a ‘high value target” in a multi-national operation by Europol targeting a ‘guns for cannabis’ trading network spanning the EU. The arrests came during a coordinated action on 23 March 2026 across Spain, Bulgaria and Greece.
Cannabis consumption methods are being shaped by technology. Moroccan master-grower and plant breeder Ahmed Akafou has posted that smoking cannabis is increasingly being replaced by controlled inhalation across the wellness, medical and adult use markets as its benefits become clearer.
South Africa’s struggle to crack the export cannabis market is reflected in the Commission on Narcotic Drugs 2026 report which pegs this country as one of the lowest contributors to global imports, accounting for, along with four other countries, less than 2% of the market.
It’s a sign of the times – a cannabis giant moving in to rescue a distressed alcohol company that has fallen victim to shifting consumer patterns and regulatory hardship. Tilray paid only £33m for BrewDog’s IP and select operations which are part of its strategy to be the king of worldwide craft beverage sales.
Internationally, there’s a new wave of cannabis capital consolidation at play. Judging from capital flows, investors are no longer interested in backing regulatory promises and untested business plans; now they want to see the revenue before they write the cheque.
The international legal cannabis market continues growing at over 20% a year, driven by legal reforms, increased demand for medical cannabis, greater acceptance of ‘recreational’ as well as continued innovations in formats and products.
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