Cannabis Enters the National Dialogue: Senior Govt Officials to Meet Sector Leaders on 27 August
In a defining moment for the cannabis sector, the National Dialogue Steering Committee is to bring together all major role players in a landmark meeting scheduled for 27 August 2026 at Kempton Park. The Presidency, SAHPRA, the NPA and SAPS have been invited to engage the industry.
Prof Katerere Calls for Southern African Cannabis Roundtable to Align Traditional Medicine and Pharma Healthcare
Cannabis is being overlooked by Africa’s pharmaceutical industry says leading cannabis scientist Prof David Katerere. He says it’s time for SADC to have a roundtable to align policies and frameworks and collaborate on developing an Afrobotanical processing sector.
WeGrow’s Quickguide to Africa’s Top 15 Cannabis ‘Source Strains’
The study of Africa’s cannabis landraces has barely begun even though the continent is famed for its indigenous landraces. Lesotho cultivator WeGrow has identified 15 ‘source strains’ of African cannabis that deserve closer scientific attention.
Africa’s Medical Cannabis Production Quotas Up 27% Since January, But No Dent in a Market Dominated by UK and Canada
Only six African countries are in the latest INCB quota review with a total 2026 quota of 74 824 kg allowed, less than the 90 000 kg quota that Israel enjoys. Nonetheless the continent’s production quota is up 27% from January, thanks to the DRCs’s emergence as an international player.
Namibia Ranked World No 3 in Seizures of Illicit Cannabis by Customs Officials as South Africa Lurks in the Shadows
Namibian Customs seized more than 50 tons of illicit cannabis in 2025, making it number three in global cross border cannabis busts, after the United States and France. South Africa ranked ninth in the 2025 Illicit Trade Report by the World Customs Union, which monitors the transnational flow of contraband.
Govt Using Permission as a Policy Tool; By So Doing It’s Entrenching Criminality in Cannabis ‘Reform’
Governments are licensing conduct to capital while continuing to punish people for performing materially and morally similar conduct outside the licensed system. That’s the view of Professional Misfit Lee Hymers, who asks why the Justice Department is playing the role of sector regulator?
Natie Ferreira: Terpenes Can Degrade Plastic Packaging Leading to Post Harvest Losses
High terpene cannabis strains can degrade plastic packaging and reduce shelf-life. This warning comes from veteran cannabis consultant Natie Ferreira, who says South African cannabis farmers focus too much on cultivation and not enough on post-harvest processing.
Josh Swart: Nobody Wins by Criminalizing Private Cannabis Clubs So Here Are the Options
Government should consider bringing out a Private Cannabis Clubs Act to clear up the legal mess it has created around the model, which clearly has a place in the reform framework. Lawyer Josh Swart says that legitimate clubs should be regulated without the threat of criminal sanction and puts these options on the table.
Yebo Lebo, With Gogo’s Recipes and SABS Approval, Toca is Ready to Roll with ‘Ancient Healing’ Skin and Body Range
Entrepreneur Lebo Skosana has SABS approval for her nature-based skin, body and hair products marketed as Toca Essentials. Now she’s looking for new markets for her range, inspired by her grandmother, who’ passed down her old cannabis and Afrobotanical cosmetics recipes.
Private Club Operators Must Not Only Navigate the Law but Plan for ‘Banking and Tax Friction’ as the Cannabis ‘Grey Zone’ Booms
Lawyer Zurayda Mayet says private cannabis club operators should plan for “banking and tax friction” as the market continues to be a high risk environment. She says that operators should get a clear legal opinion on their operations in light of the Haze Club judgement and build their structures accordingly.