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.
The stigma of cannabis still runs deeply through the United Kingdom as evidenced in the ‘shock horror’ tabloid headlines that accompanied the release of long-awaited policing guidelines regarding cannabis. Sensationalism still beats evidence-based reporting on cannabis in the mainstream media.
European cannabis prices are coming under pressure as supply increases. Joao Duartte, Business Developer at Decibel Engineered Systems in Almada, Portugal, says the new reaiity in 2026 is producing high THC flower at one Euro/gram; pricing that South African cannabis producers need to set their sights on.
As the South African cannabis consumer market evolves, trends are reflecting those of more mature markets. What’s happening in the US is probably true for SA as well – consumers want more than just cannabis flower and this bodes well for the pre-rolls, edibles, beverages and vape markets in 2026.
Over 41% of women reportedly have difficulty attaining orgasms and cannabis should be recognized as a treatment in matters of sexual health. This view is gaining ground in the US where medical cannabis is being used to treat Female Orgasmic Disorder in Illinois and Connecticut, with Oregon and New Mexico likely to follow suit .
The pharmacy industry occupies 61% of the international medical cannabis market is investing heavily in the development of new drugs, particularly for chronic pain, epilepsy and cancer-related conditions. That’s according to the World Cannabis Report 2026.
The global cannabis trade underwent significant changes in 2025, especially in the European market, where price compression and potentially strict regulatory changes are adding to an already complex market. This means exporters to Europe can expect lower cannabis prices in 2026.
One of the reasons behind the surging global growth in medical cannabis is the demand by consumers for alternatives to opioids. That, along with better regulatory frameworks and more research on the therapeutic benefits of cannabis, are the main drivers behind the growth of the US$30 billion market
Mike Tyson (pictured second from left, and that’s not a punchbag he’s holding) has filed a $50 million lawsuit against former executives of Carma HoldCo, including major shareholder Ric Flair, a professional wrestler. Carma is the parent company behind the multi-million dollar Tyson 2.0 cannabis brand, which Iron Mike believes has been ripping him off.
Just how safe is it to drive under the influence of cannabis? Conventional wisdom has it that driving stoned is an impairment, but that is now being debated in Australia, particularly after a medical cannabis patient showed a 20% improvement in reaction during a televised simulation late last year.
Thailand continues to roll back ‘rec’ as more stringent regulations take effect, requiring a doctor’s prescription for all cannabis sales. This is likely to see over 7 000 non-compliant cannabis businesses close down in the year ahead.
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