FARMING AND MANUFACTURING
SA forges ahead with guidelines to regulate hemp cultivation and manufacturing
Trade and industry minister Rob Davies says the government recognises the potential of commercial value chains of cannabis and related products
The government is developing guidelines to regulate hemp cultivation and manufacturing. It is illegal to cultivate hemp in SA now as it is classified under the cannabis species. According to the Agricultural Research Council, hemp can be used to make more than 25,000 consumer products, from hemp apparel and accessories to houseware and cosmetics. Trade and industry minister Rob Davies said the government recognises the potential of commercial value chains of cannabis and related products. It will consider the obstacles and opportunities for SA to become an active and innovative player in the growing hemp market.
The global industrial hemp market size is expected to reach $10.6bn by 2025, according to US-based market research and consulting company Grand View Research. In a written reply in parliament to a question from IFP MP Narend Singh, agriculture, forestry & fisheries minister Senzeni Zokwana said that in terms of the law today the mandate for regulating hemp lies with th...
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