The decriminalisation of cannabis for private use has reignited an interest in the herb and fired up the department of agriculture, which is working towards a commercialisation model for rural growers of dagga. A Johannesburg business is also reporting higher traffic from curious new patrons since the Constitutional Court ruling last week that made growing and consuming dagga at home legal. Khaye Nkwanyana, spokesperson for the ministry of agriculture, forestry & fisheries, said there was "substantial progress" in the review of legislation relating to cannabis use. Parliament has 24 months in which to develop law that will clarify the court's ruling. The agriculture department is leading an interministerial team that is developing a new regulatory framework for hemp. In this regard it is looking at production, research and technology development, and commercial feasibility, among other factors. Work on review of legislation will inform parliament's process. "If they move with speed ...
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