The 2025 edition of Canna Connect, held this May in Johannesburg, ended yesterday. The event highlighted the growing momentum behind Southern Africa's medical cannabis sector, and the need for coordinated action across borders. "We're seeing a real appetite for a professional space for B2B interaction, academic dialogue, and regulatory engagement," said Prof. David Katerere, one of the conference organizers. "Canna Connect aims to create that platform."
The event featured over 15 presentations from the research community, including early-stage proposals and student-led findings. Delegates from universities, regulatory bodies, and pharmaceutical companies engaged with clinicians and growers.
Cross-border challenges take center stage
One of the key topics was inter-country trade and logistics, particularly affecting landlocked nations like Lesotho. "They don't have direct cargo flights, so product must travel by road," Prof. Katerere points out. "But that's where cannabis regulations clash. South African authorities don't allow cannabis to enter by road. It's precisely why we held this forum: to start pushing for harmonized standards across the region."
There was representation from Botswana, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, and Lesotho, all of which are taking steps toward medical cannabis regulation. "Southern Africa is leading on the continent in terms of legislative progress," he added. "Beyond our region, only Ghana, Rwanda, Uganda, and Morocco are making moves."
Call for a regional medical cannabis association
One of the main takeaways from the conference was a collective call for a regional association focused on medical cannabis, an entity that does not yet exist.
"There's an urgent need for an organized collective to tackle challenges like product movement, standard harmonization, and regulatory gaps," Prof. Katerere says. "This association could also give growers, regulators, and researchers a unified voice."
The event also welcomed numerous growers, underlining their critical role in the value chain. Yet, concerns persist around regulatory clarity and enforcement in South Africa. "A lot of recreational market products are technically illegal under current rules. Clearer guidance and more structured government enforcement are needed, especially for licensed cultivators," he says.
Canna Connect heads to Zambia
Prof. Katerere remarks that Canna Connect is set to become an annual fixture. The next edition will be held in Zambia this October, as a side event of the larger Pharma Connect conference.
"The general consensus was: this is something the region needs. The conversation has started, and now it's time to build structures to support it," he concludes.