There needs to be urgent action to develop the cannabis industry in South Africa to boost business opportunities and take advantage of an internationally growing sector, says Daveraj Sauls, a legal expert from Webber Wentzel.
A recent cannabis expo held in Cape Town this month highlighted businesses’ enthusiasm to participate in the industry; however, concern and frustration were directed towards the slow legislative progress regarding cannabis regulation.
According to Webber Wentzel, unlike other jurisdictions, politicians have hesitated to develop regulations to take advantage of the potentially lucrative market.
A recent constitutional judgment opening up cannabis use and cultivation, as well as promises made by President Cyril Ramaphosa in both his 2022 and 2023 State of the Nation Address (SONA), have raised expectations that South Africa would adopt a more liberal approach towards cannabis becoming a fully-fledged industry, said the firm.
Progress has, however, been slow, and it has been two and a half years since the 24-month period for Parliament to address constitutional defects in legislation has expired.
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