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.
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.
Route 420 Unveils ‘Smoke Signals’ App to Allow Canna-Tourism Gems to be Uploaded
Route 420, the canna-tourism initiative launched by Rolling Stoner, has soft-launched an interactive app, Smoke Signals. This is to enable people to upload points of interest on the Route 420 map, the country’s first dedicated travel network for the cannabis traveller experience.
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.
Gareth Prince Steps Back From Lawfare: ‘One Last Chance to Get Around the Table’
Legal activist Gareth Prince and fellow applicants seeking an urgent halt to cannabis arrests and a review of legislation, have stepped back from ‘Lawfare’ and a settlement appears to be under discussion. This follows discussions held in the Western Cape High Court last week.
New Cannabis Organization Aims to Provide Leadership Skills and Market Access for Township and Rural Entrepreneurs
Cannabist ‘activist-entrepreneurs’ Tia Ramfate and Linda Siboto are behind the formation of a new grassroots cannabis organization, the TRCA. Their idea is to translate indigenous knowledge skills into entrepreneurship opportunities for rural and township cannabis businesses.
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.
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.
‘Cannabis Gave Me Life’: Mpondoland Cancer Survivor’s Journey Shows that Plant Medicine Does Work
Mpondoland traditional healer Lungiswa Nonkwelo is living proof of how medical cannabis can work. The Mpondoland traditional healer was diagnosed with cancer 26 years ago – and given six months to live. Today, she has not only bounced back to health, but has launched her own cannabis business.