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.
FGFA Endorses Two Data-Collecting Surveys Aimed at Cannabis Stakeholders
FGFA has endorsed two cannabis stakeholder surveys that are currently underway. It says people should generally be careful about giving their data away, but says participation in the Dagga Bay State of the Leaf 2026, and the ClearPath Justice surveys are contributions towards future cannabis policy.
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.
New Study Find Cannabis Terpenes May Help in the Treatment of Chronic Pain
Arizona scientists have established a linkage between terpenes and the treatment of chronic pain. The new study builds on previous research which found that terpenes, the compounds responsible for cannabis aromas, may assist in the repair of damaged nerve endings and reduce inflammation.
Trending USA: Over-60’s Are Tucking into Edibles for Age-Related Ailments
Cannabis edibles are providing the elderly with relief from the aches and pains of becoming older. A Colorado and Utah Universites’ study has found that the over 60’s are increasingly using cannabis and edibles are their favourite products.
University of Johannesburg’s Hemp Brick Prototype Could Change the National Housing Conversation
University of Johannesburg (UJ) researchers, in partnership with Canna-B-Africa, have designed a hemp brick specifically for sustainable mass housing. UJ says years of research have gone into developing a prototype that serves as an alternative to cement and hopes it will redefine the way South Africa builds houses.
Cannabis Remains Europe’s Illicit Drug of Choice, But Impact of Evolving Market on Public Health Still Unclear
Cannabis remains the most commonly consumed illicit drug in Europe yet the public impact of the evolving market is still unclear. That’s according to the European Drug Report 2026 which estimates that 25 million European adults (8,7% of the population) used cannabis in the last year.
Japan Bans the Cannabinoid CBN After Tests Show it Causes Animals to Hallucinate
Japan’s cannabis regime allows for hemp-derived CBD and CBG products, but anything to do with THC is a no-no. Now the Japanese government has banned the compound cannabinol (CBN) after it has been discovered to have hallucinatory properties during animal testing.
Global Cannabis Prices in Decline, Exporters Should Factor Price Compression into Their Outlook
Global cannabis prices are steadily declining as the market matures and production around the world ramps up. A new analysis says price compression is a sign of market maturity, not failure, but warns exporters to be careful of what revenue assumptions they make as base-line values still need to be established.