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.
Removing Cannabis from the Drugs Act Would Be a Good Way to Mark the Sad 5th Anniversary of the Cannabis Master Plan
South Africa is no closer to comprehensive cannabis reform than it was when the National Cannabis Master Plan was launched with great fanfare 5 years ago. It’s priority then was to remove cannabis from the Drugs Act. Could this now finally be happening? Corridor talk has it that a notice to this effect may be gazetted before year end.
No Place for Swazi Gold or General Adult Use in eSwatini’s New Medical and Industrial Cannabis Framework
eSwatini has ruled out legalizing general adult-use cannabis but will allow citizens access to the plant for medical treatments. That’s the word from Agriculture Minister Mandla Tshawuka, who said the Kingdom was in the process of drafting a bill that would allow cultivation for industrial and medical cannabis only.
Hemp is Thirsty. SA is Dry. Leading Water Scientists Warn of Limits in Developing a Hemp Economy
South Africa is an arid country. Hemp is a thirsty plant that can flatten 28 l of water/day. Researchers studying the impact of hemp on water resources have warned that uncontrolled cultivation of the crop could damage frail ecosystems.
Zimbabwe Slashes Cannabis Licensing Fees Drastically in Bid to Attract Investors
Zimbabwe has slashed registration and licensing fees for industrial hemp and medicinal cannabis by as much as 90%, seeking to attract investment, create jobs and accelerate efforts to diversify its agricultural exports beyond tobacco,
Yes U Can! Siboto Steps Up to New Leadership Roles in Drive to Empower Grassroots Cannabis Farmers
Cheeba Africa co-founder Linda Siboto has taken on two new leadership positions aimed at empowering small scale rural and township cannabis growers. He takes up senior roles at farming empowerment company U Can, and has founded a new NPO, the Township and Rural Cannabis Association.
Ghana Awards First Cannabis Licenses to Local Companies MG Adom and Jiliopta Ltd
Two Ghanaian companies – MG Adom Limited and Jiliopta Limited – have become the first to receive licences to cultivate cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes under the government’s regulated cannabis programme.
eSwatini Authorizes Private Sector Partnership to Begin the Kingdom’s First Hemp Trials
eSwatini is well known for its Swazi Gold cannabis landrace, but the Kingdom is looking to hemp as a key economic driver. The Agriculture Department has authorized a pilot project to see which varietals are most suited to local conditions.
Zimbabwe Expands Tobacco Research Framework to Include Cannabis
Zimbabwe’s cabinet has approved amendments to the Tobacco Research Act to allow for capacity building in the cannabis industry as well as tobacco.
Botswana Commercial Hemp Trials a Success, Now the Challenge is Including Local Farmers in the Roll Out Strategy
Botswana’s President Duma Boko says pilot cultivation trials have proved the country is ready to roll out a commercial strategy for industrial hemp. The government says it will provide support for local farmers who say they are being locked out of a market that favours multinationals.