Growing KZN together

Thelegalisation and commercialisation of Cannabis Sativa (Cannabis) has been onthe forefront of public debate and on top of the agenda of policymakersglobally. Cannabis refers to two closely related plant varieties, namely hemp anddagga. These plant varieties belong to the genus known as cannabis. It is agenus of flowering plants in the family Cannabaceae. Three well known specieswithin the genus are Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis indica and Cannabis ruderalis.However, C. ruderalis may be included within C. Sativa or all three species maybe treated as subspecies of a single species, C. Sativa. The genus is widelyaccepted as being indigenous to and originating from Central Asia, with someresearchers also including upper South Asia in its origin.

Whilethe more than a century-long prohibition of cannabis has impacted thescientific community comprehensively and exhaustively researching this plant,studies and control tests do provide strong evidence that there are numerousmedical benefits to using this plant. Studies also provide evidence that Cannabis'srecreational use for adults is a better social policy apparatus as it allowsfor policymakers to better regulate, ensuring an end to an illicit market andits negative side impacts on society; allows for better oversight; andminimises adolescent access and protects adult consumers from harms of anillegal and illicit market.

Earlierthis year a presentation was handed to KZN Office of the Premier (OTP) on thepoverty eradication in our province. The purpose of the presentation was toreport on a perspective and posture on the Cannabis project and providedirection on the coordination mandate for stakeholders to collaborate.

Asannounced by the President, during the State of the Nation address,KwaZulu-Natal will commence with the implementation of the Cannabis MasterPlan. Four Districts have been identified for cannabis production and theseareas are, uThukela, uMzinyathi, uMgungundlovu, and Harry Gwala. The Departmentof Agriculture and Rural Development has set aside R10 million for the supportof cannabis farmers. The focus will be on infrastructure and production inputs.

Mandatewas given to the OTP to coordinate stakeholders and provide strategicleadership. Coordinating stakeholders to formulate support packages accordingto their mandates, that will engage communities and entrepreneurs to enter thecannabis industry in legal status.

Withthe intention that Stakeholders must develop value chains that will create anecosystem in the industry that will engage players and participants so thatthey can benefit and not be left out.

Thenotion by OTP is to leave no one behind. It is an ambitious undertaking,however, such opportunities must serve the previously marginalized and alsotake into

cognizance the fact that the samemarginalized were already engaging and trading the commodity when it wasillegal.

"OTPfocuses on advocating for Effective regulation." Said MikeNewton, Chief Executive Officer from the uMgungundlovu Economic DevelopmentAgency. "Our role is to assist with Regulation, transforming policies so thatthey are inclusive."

TheOTP's role is to communicate unambiguous messages about the KZN cannabisindustry to all stakeholders and

develop and implement information andawareness programmes and provideeducation and awareness regarding regulatory matters.

Itis exciting times for the Cannabis industry in South Africa and KZN as the lawsare being change to decriminalize Cannabis and to create infrastructure andsupport to the Cannabis farmers in our province.