It is encouraging to read in the Business Day, September 23 issue, about the efforts of the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) to advance its cannabis and hemp research, and importantly, the seed breeding of this plant. Globally, the mood is somewhat downbeat on cannabis, but that is no reason to change our focus in South Africa. There are cycles on these things.
The ARC’s previous work on this plan, along with its continuous effort, is essential. For some time, I have been troubled that we talk more about cannabis and hemp in SA, but move very slowly on the legislative aspect that enables the proper cultivation and development of this plant. We have been slow in providing a new and clear regulatory path for this plant, and the licensing price has been somewhat prohibitive for some people.
When we finally progress with research, regulations and a clear policy framework for hemp and cannabis, I still believe that the plant could be a catalyst for revitalising rural communities. It could also create opportunities for cannatourism, particularly in rural areas of the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Limpopo. Of course, life won’t drastically change because of this plant, but it will bring some value.
As many countries are focused on this plant, we need to consider ways to distinguish ourselves in South Africa. It may well be that South Africa’s competitive advantage could be built on the back of a transparent and predictable regulatory framework, an open investment regime, robust research and development support, knowledge networks that bring together university researchers, centres of excellence, and other industry players, a product quality and standards authority, and a low-cost licensing regime.
Importantly, we need to consider practical ways to ensure that production and value chains don’t mainly develop in areas that have always been the leading agricultural zones and urban areas with better access to investment.
The communities of the Mpondoland region of the Eastern Cape have been growing this plant in the shadows of the law for many years and should benefit from its liberalisation. But does the government have a clear plan for mobilising investment and value chain development in these regions?
Perhaps the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Limpopo provincial agricultural departments should lead and lobby their national counterparts to refine and craft regulations that encourage investment in these provinces.
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