The government has said it is pleased with the progress of the development of the Cannabis Master Plan aimed at providing a framework for the establishment and growth of the cannabis and hemp industry.
In a statement, the cabinet explained that the master plan will be anchored by nine pillars focusing on contributing to economic growth, poverty alleviation, and job creation.
“The nine pillars are effective regulatory services, sustainable seed supply systems, research and technology development, producer support systems, market development, enterprise and supplier development, manufacturing and product development, education and training and communication and awareness,” the cabinet stated.
Creating a working plan
According to the government, since President Cyril Ramaphosa approved the Cannabis for Private Purposes Bill in May 2024, there have been several developments in different government departments.
“The department of justice and constitutional development has initiated the process of drafting the regulations in support of the Cannabis for Private Purposes. The department of health, through the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, has concluded consultations on changes to the Schedules of the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 1965.
“The department of trade, industry and competition concluded situational and value chain analysis on the hemp and cannabis sector in South Africa, the department will soon commence consultations on the Cannabis Commercialisation Policy,” Cabinet said.
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Meanwhile, the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) has developed two hemp varieties and with the support of the department of agriculture, is currently undergoing a second season of seed multiplication to make it available for the 2025 planting season.
“The department of agriculture has commissioned research to the value of R124 million with the ARC which focuses on cannabis breeding for medicinal, fibre and other uses, cannabis plant disease surveillance, indigenous germplasm collection, and cannabis seed system development.
“In Gauteng, in collaboration with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, 10 small, medium and micro enterprises were supported for product development. The department of agriculture continues to consult provinces on commitments thus far,” the cabinet added.
They added that to improve the capacity of the department to monitor the cultivation of hemp by permit holders, the ARC developed a detailed training programme for inspection services.
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