Hemp Sector Faces Seed Supply Problems, Legal Ambiguity & Danger of US Dumping as Planting Season Looms
A shortage of local seeds and possible dumping of surplus seeds by US farmers are two major challenges facing the South African hemp sector as planting season begins. SACHIDA’s Cian McClelland says the deeper issue is how indigenous landraces should be protected against imported genetics.
No Tax for Thathokuhle! Zim Finance Minister Offers Mike Querl’s Model Hemp Farm Tax-Free Zone Status
Zimbabwe hemp farmer Mike Querl’s Thathokuhle Farm’s has been offered a major tax concession by finance minister Mthuli Ncube. The Minister toured the farm last week and was so impressed by Querl’s ‘outgrower’ business model that he says he’ll recognize the cannabis farm as its own tax-free zone.
Malawi Cannabis Board Member Bust at Road Block with Almost 20 kg of ‘Illicit’ Weed
Prominent legalization activist Ras David Chikomeni Chirwa and board member of the Malawi Cannabis Regulatory Authority, was bust with almost 20 kg of illicit cannabis at a Friday night roadblock by Jenda police. He is out on bail and is due to appear in court on possession charges at an unspecified date.
Portugal Prepares to Indict Operators in Three African Countries Who Tried to Deceive the Cannabis Medicines Regulator
Cannabis operators in three African Countries – the DRC, Kenya and Guinea-Bissau – are under a police investigation triggered by Portugal’s Medicines Regulator. The sector has been shocked by allegations of criminal association, falsified documents aggravated trafficking and money laundering.
TUT’s Cannabis Hub Steps Up Specialized Support to Move Cannabis Product from Farmer to Pharma
The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Cannabis and Hemp Research Hub recently relaunched its Research and Innovation Platform as it gears up to assist cannabis farmers and entrepreneurs connect their commercial strategiees with scientific innovation.
All Mouth And No Money: DTIC’s Market Maths Doesn’t Add Up
The DTIC’s says the cannabis industry should be delivering R1,4 billion in new value each year but it can’t show where that money is going to come from. Instead cannabis reform is costing the country dearly, says H3’s Charl Botha, who estimates the overall cost has been over R8 billion with no return in sight.
State Seeks Out of Court Settlement on Application to Halt Cannabis Arrests, Prince Says This Could be a ‘Win-Win’ Situation
The State is seeking an out-of-court settlement with Ras Gareth Prince and other applicants who are challenging government’s approach to cannabis legislation. Prince says he hopes there will be agreement by 15 September 2026 to halt to cannabis arrests and address other policy issues raised his Western Cape High Court challenge.
Morocco’s BluePearl Seeds Builds on Local Genetics to Launch New Certified Seed Campaign
Morocco is introducing a certified seed campaign after years of researching which varietals perform best for farmers and regulated markets. PearlBlue Seeds has been working on developing and stabilizing local genetics as a foundation for the local commercial industry.
CBD May Help Athletes Perform Better and Help Them Recover from Hard Exercise
The evidence-based therapeutic benefits of cannabis are increasingly finding their way into the world of sport. The latest study in this field shows that CBD may enhance performance and act as an effective ‘post-exercise recovery tool’ because of its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.
Banel Takes Lesotho Mounted Police to Court to Return Half Ton of Seized Thailand Cannabis
Lesotho cannabis processor Banel has gone to the Maseru High Court to recover 500 kg of cannabis from Thailand seized by the Lesotho Police in February 2026. Banel says R1,2 million is tied up in the consignment, which it says is legal and that all the paperwork was in place.