DTIC Unveils its Route Markers to Navigate SA Towards the Legal Trade in Cannabis
The DTIC has finally put the missing piece in the National Cannabis Master Plan jigsaw puzzle and has completed the picture of what South Africa can expect by way of a commercial cannabis framework. The DTIC has now put out for public comment its draft recommendations on the way forward and the framework it envisages.
DTIC Puts Commercial Cannabis Law Timeframe on the Table
The adoption of a commercial cannabis framework is to be put through the Nedlac process before a new law comes into force in 2027. That’s the DTIC’s time-frame for a complete overhaul of current cannabis laws which it’s laid out in its draft commercialization policy that is now out for stakeholder comment.
Trade Minister Tau: Legalizing ‘Recreational’ Use of Cannabis Will Have a Net Positive Social Impact’
Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau (pictured here) is the first cabinet minister to fully back the legalization of general adult-use cannabis consumption since the days of Tito Mboweni. He says ‘recreational use’ is less harmful than alcohol and minors can be protected through regulation and wants your input on the draft cannabis commercial guidelines his Department has put out for public comment.
DTIC DG Simphiwe Hamilton: Cannabis is All About Re-Imagining Our Industrial Policy for Economic Growth
DTIC Director General Simphiwe Hamilton (pictured here) is guiding cannabis policy development within the department which is the lead institution driving the National Cannabis Master Plan. He says cannabis is part of the Government’s ‘re-imagining’ of industrial policy and provides an executive summary of the draft policy document put out for comment.
Namibia High Court Ruling on Constitutionality of Cannabis Prohibition Set for 12 August 2025
The State has asked for more time to adjust its case in opposition to the legal challenge by cannabis activists to have Namibia’s prohibitionist laws to be overturned. A ruling on the matter has been postponed for over five weeks, prompting an accusation that the State is using delaying tactics to wear down the plaintiffs.
Worldwide Problem: Doctors Still Leave Medical School Without Knowing About the Endocannabinoid System
Can Europe scale up to 5 million medical cannabis patients? That was one of the main discussion points at the recent Cannabis Europa Conference in London (pictured above) which found the medical cannabis industry in Europe is thriving but science and medical training is lagging far behind.
Top KZN Cop Drops Bombshell Allegations About Senior Police Involvement in Drug Cartels
President Cyril Ramaphosa says he is gravely concerned about the allegations made by KwaZulu Natal police commissioner that senior police and politicians are involved in drug dealing cartels. This comes after Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mhwanazi (pictured here) accused the Minister of Police of protecting criminal elements by dismantling a specialized investigative team.
Rise in Medical Cannabis Patients Poses New Challenges for Employers
Cannabis in the workplace will increasingly become an issue with the rising number of medical cannabis patients in South Africa. One of the potential dilemmas is the balancing the rights of an employee to privacy around their ailments and medication against the obligations of the employer to provide a safe working environment for all workers.
SAHPRA Refining Cannabis Regulations in Light of Evolving Landscape
SAHPRA says its refining its regulatory framework as the South African cannabis landscape evolves. That’s according to its 2025/26 Performance Plan (undated) in which it wants to improve its systems and technology, address patient access issues and regulate product standardization..
Agriculture Dept Hosts Zambia’s ‘Buffalo Soldiers’ for Cannabis Knowledge Exchange
It’s been six years since Zambia legalized cannabis for export but the country has struggled to get the sector off the ground. It’s now handed the matter over to the army and senior officers were recently in South Africa on a cannabis reconnaissance mission.