The Cannabis Expo opened at GrandWest in Cape Town yesterday with industry role players lashing out at the government for its slow progress in providing a conducive environment for cannabis and hemp production in the country.
The Cannabis Expo is the largest, comprehensive cannabis convention to take place in Africa. Global industry leaders and local government representatives from across the region present talks and take part in moderated panel discussions every hour.
Just before the event kicked off, expo representatives made their way to the steps of parliament to deliver a case of CBD-infused dope water to officials.
“We have delivered a case of CBD-infused dope water to the good people at parliament as a peace offering and to let them know that every little thing is gonna be alright,” said expo organiser Silas Howarth, quoting legendary singer and cannabis enthusiast Bob Marley.
This is after the City of Cape Town banned the use of a cannabis-blowing hotbox machine at the Cannabis Expo.
Address issues with legislation
During day one of the three-day expo, Sibusiso Xaba from the African Cannabis Advisory, said considering the country’s concerning youth unemployment figure, immediate action is required to straighten out legislation issues.
“There is a need to incorporate everyone – from the farmer to the end user – in the whole value chain. The country does not have the luxury of other countries by not acting now on making cannabis and hemp the best industry.
“Not taking the decision now and [not] having clear legislation will hurt not only the industry, but the country as well amid the rising youth unemployment,” Xaba said.
Furthermore, calls for a new finance model were made by Dr Simphiwe Buthelezi, head of research at the Moses Kotane Institute. Finance models need to cater to industries both in the health and agriculture sector.
A lot of needs that need attention
“We have a lot that needs to be addressed. Firstly, things like a farmer getting a certificate or registration takes forever, there are a whole lot of red tapes that also need to be ironed out,” Buthelezi said.
While legislation must still be drawn up, Buthelezi said the legislation had to speak to the needs of the country.
“We need regulations and financing that are aligned to the needs of South Africa. Those two things need to speak to what farmers in each province need and are able to do, it is in that way that we will be able to get this right.”
Utilising people who are already involved in cannabis and hemp operations to help draft legislation is another important point to consider, she added.
More action, less talk
When it comes to legislation, a copy-and-paste approach won’t work for South Africa, independent cannabis expert Jacqui Ramage said, referring to legislation in other countries.
Questions should be asked about how industry players will participate in the cannabis subsector and contribute to the country’s GDP.
“We can come here and have all the talk we like, the fact is that the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) is not doing well. What are we doing with this industry to bring relief to the economy?
“What are we doing with a planter who needs between R5-100 million to get their operations off the ground while we do not have the production facilities of this commodity?” Ramage asked.
Government departments not working together
Also attending the expo, Ayanda Bam from Zageta Consulting expressed great frustration at the government’s approach to cannabis legislation.
“We have about eight to nine government departments that are not working together, we have state-owned entities that are not in alignment with one another when it comes to ensuring that the cannabis and hemp are properly managed,” she said.
Meanwhile, Danmari Duguid from Schindlers SI Attorneys urged the government to finalise legislation as this would ensure hemp and cannabis industry players are protected.
“We need to ensure that our police services work on a set of rules and not on discretion. We cannot have a police service that works based on the skin [colour] of a person. Legislation [on] cannabis is urgently needed,” she added.
The Cannabis Expo is the global marketplace for education and innovative products, and businesses serving the cannabis industry and its medicinal, agricultural, financial and lifestyle aspects. The expo hall features over 100 exhibitors representing the full spectrum of the cannabis industry.
On Saturday, 25 March, the programme will explore cannabis use with animals, legal tips for entrepreneurs and business owners, and so much more.
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