Tshifhiwa Muifha
The Director of Plant Production at the National Department of Agriculture, Joseph Mahlabe shares the government’s priorities regarding for industrialisation and commercialisation of cannabis.
The University of Venda (UniVen) in collaboration with Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD), Vhembe District Municipality, and Limpopo Hemp and Cannabis Farmers Association had hosted a two-day Cannabis Summit.
The move was to explore the potential of hemp and cannabis production as a means of addressing poverty and fostering economic development.
LDARD's Scientist Production Dr Rudzani Mathobo emphasized the role of these crops in creating new economic opportunities, suggesting that by investing in hemp and cannabis production, communities can boost local economies, create jobs, and enhance food security. She applauded the district for the progress made regarding the implementation of cannabis development strategy thus far.
Dr Mathobo also touched on the number of cannabis permits the province has issued with Vhembe district being the least at 11%.
Speaking during the summit, Mr Joseph Mahlabe, the Director for Plant Production at the National Department of Agriculture shared the government’s priorities regarding for industrialisation and commercialisation of cannabis as follows:
- Amending the Plant Improvement Act regulations to include other Cannabis species;
- Instituting a regulatory sandbox approach on all Cannabis species;
- Mapping, consolidating, and scaling up of all existing research and innovation efforts including mainstreaming indigenous knowledge capacities; and
- Identifying South Africa’s competitive ability in the Cannabis subsectors and products.
The summit sought to pave the way for a more prosperous future by highlighting the economic advantages of hemp and cannabis cultivation. Universities, Agricultural Research Council, Limpopo Economic and Development Agency (LEDA), Hemp and Cannabis Farmers Association, Rastafarian communities, Contralesa, and farming community shared ideas on the cultivation and benefits of Hemp and Cannabis to the Limpopo communities.
Hemp and Cannabis Farmers Association, Rastafarian communities, Contralesa, and farming community share ideas on the cultivation and benefits of Hemp and Cannabis to the Limpopo communities.
