Thailand Poised to Recriminalize Cannabis as Boom Sparks Backlash – and Boredom
The Thailand cannabis industry, estimated to be worth $1 billion, is poised to shrink or disappear completely. A public backlash against legalization has resulted in all three parties going to the polls on 8 February 2026 promising to impose further restrictions if elected.
Zimbabwe Cannabis Exports Going Nowhere, Now the First License Holders Have Been Hit with a US$20 000 Renewal Fee
Bad news awaits the first wave of Zimbabwean cannabis cultivators who’s licenses come up for renewal as their five year validity comes to an end. The handful who are still in business will have to pay an unforeseen, once-off US20 000 renewal fee, a fresh setback for a sector yet to generate any sustainable exports.
British Media Stuck Between Stigma and Sensationalism in Coverage of Long-Awaited UK Cannabis Policing Guidelines
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.
Charl Botha: ‘Farmer Inclusion in Hemp Regulations Engagement is Positive, Let’s Build On It’
The hemp sector may be on the verge of a regulatory breakthrough after a meeting between non-government cannabis stakeholders and the Department of Agriculture last week. The meeting was initiated by Charl Botha of H3 Legal Solutions. This is his report-back.
Govt to Relook at SAPS Involvement in Hemp Permit Applications After Consensus-Building Stakeholder Meeting
The Department of Agriculture has acknowledged that the role of law enforcement in the issuing of hemp permits should be reviewed. This follows an interdepartmental engagement between the Department and cannabis stakeholders in Gauteng this week to discuss problematic areas of the Plant Improvement Act and other issues affecting hemp.
Botswana Last Mile Conference Looking to Establish Medical Cannabis Framework
Botswana hosts the First Mile Cannabis Conference on 30 January 2026 which puts medical cannabis on the map, now a hemp framework has been established. The Africa Canada Chamber of Commerce Conference and Expo will look specifically at how medical cannabis can fit into Botswana’s evolving cannabis development programme.
Medical Cannabis Gaining Popularity as a Treatment for Female Orgasmic Disorder
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 .
EMPD: ‘Without a Section 22C License, You Will be Arrested!’
Police have closed down an East Rand ‘dagga den’, seizing cannabis flower, edibles and scales, and arresting two men for operating without a SAHPRA Section 22c license which would authorize them to possess and manufacture large quantities of cannabis.
Africa’s Evolving Cannabis Policies: It’s All About the Money, Forget About the People
The evolution of cannabis policy in Africa bears a striking resemblance to the colonial expansion of the 19th century. Without exception, every African state that has partially legalized cannabis is doing so to earn foreign exchange at the expense of using the plant’s potential in public healthcare or job creation.
SAPS Cannabis Arrest Policy in Disarray and the Poor Pay the Price
SAPS has been unable or unwilling to update its cannabis arrest guidelines and is contributing to Government’s policy confusion. In the absence of new national guidelines, provincial police are a law unto themselves, hence the absurdity of SAPS Northern Cape hailing the arrest of a township man for cultivating 28 cannabis plants as a success in the fight against crime.