Shaad Vayej is not your typical lawyer. He specialises in the legal complexities of the hemp and cannabis industries. Now, how cool is that?
Growing up in Rondebosch East, Vayej, the chairman of the Openfarms Group, took an unconventional path after high school graduation in 2012 to becoming a prominent figure in the cannabis industry.
“Onlyfarms is a platform that connects authorised buyers to licensed sellers as well as ancillary service providers in the medical and industrial cannabis value chains,” he explains.
His family’s farming background sparked his interest in plant-based remedies and the potential of plants like hemp.
“My grandfather grew roses and herbs, and every morning he would recommend plant-based remedies for health purposes,” he recalls.
This upbringing not only gave him a profound appreciation for agriculture but also fuelled his curiosity about the untapped possibilities within the industry.
Why cannabis law?
Vayej’s career is incredibly important for the growing cannabis and hemp industries in South Africa. As a lawyer specialising in the legal intricacies of these industries, he plays a crucial role in shaping their future.
He tells Food For Mzansi that his interest in hemp was ignited in grade nine when he watched a video featuring Tony Budden, a pioneer in the South African hemp industry.
Inspired by hemp’s versatility, Vayej wrote an essay titled “South Africa’s Silver Bullet”, advocating for hemp cultivation.
This early passion set the stage for his future career.
“Following this, I obtained my postgraduate LLB from Stellenbosch [University] in 2017. Despite initially considering a career in business, the exposure to the legal field, combined with my passion for agriculture, led me to pursue law with a focus on agricultural economics,” he explains.
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Shaping the legal landscape
Vayej’s legal career took off when he began working for a judge and later joined Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyer in 2019. While there, a cannabis case piqued his interest.
“Through his involvement in cannabis-related legal matters, I gained insight into the burgeoning cannabis industry and its potential for economic growth and social impact.”
In 2024, Vayej started his own law firm, specialising in hemp and cannabis law advising both medium to large-scale private clients.
He has become deeply involved in shaping the legal landscape of the cannabis industry, advocating for inclusive growth and regulatory clarity.
His expertise in both law and agriculture uniquely positions him to navigate the complex intersection of legal regulations and agricultural practices in the cannabis sector.
Want to be an agricultural lawyer?
For aspiring lawyers and agricultural enthusiasts, he emphasises the importance of a holistic education encompassing law, economics, and agricultural sciences.
“While academic disciplines provide a foundation, it is the pursuit of knowledge, interdisciplinary thinking, and a commitment to inclusive growth that distinguishes a successful legal practitioner in emerging industries,” he says.
Being a lawyer can be very unpredictable. However, Vayej says he has embraced the unpredictability of his schedule by leveraging technology.
He adds that no day is ever the same. As a lawyer, he can be found doing anything from attending meetings, drafting legal documents, and responding to emails.
Vayej’s tips for becoming a lawyer and entrepreneur:
- Build a network: Building a strong professional network can open doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and mentorship.
- Combine skills and interests: Look for opportunities to combine your skills and passions to carve out a unique niche for yourself.
- Be adaptable: Leverage technology and stay flexible. In today’s dynamic world, being adaptable and willing to embrace change is essential for success.
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