South Africa’s Cannabis Expo returns to the Sandton Convention Centre from 30 May to 1 June 2025, sponsored this year by Synergy Wellness, one of the country’s fastest growing service providers.

The Expo, which used to host three shows annually in Cape Town, Durban and Gauteng, scaled back in the face of the broader consolidation of the South African cannabis industry. Last year it decided to host one event a year, rotating between the major centres. This year it’s Sandton’s turn. At the end of the month will be turned into Africa’s “Pop Up Capital of Cannabis”, a carnival for consumers and a business networking experience rolled into one.

Expo comes at a time of new momentum in the industry

Cannabis Expo CEO Silas Howarth (pictured above) says he’s particularly excited about this year’s Expo as the cannabis industry appears to be gathering a new momentum in the face of government’s policy paralysis.

“Investors are looking for that next big thing, and while the legislative landscape is still evolving, businesses are innovating and pushing the boundaries” he told Cannabiz Africa in an exclusive interview.

“People are finding creative solutions to work within the current confines, and we’re seeing a lot of activity outside the ‘grey zone’. It’s like the cannabis industry is building its own highway, even if the road signs aren’t entirely clear yet.

Thousands of people are expected to attend the event which is renowned as Africa’s greatest cannabis consumer experience. This year probably see more cannabis related products and services on offer as South African cannabis industry evolves and more products and services come to market.

The Expo has signed up Synergy Wellness as its headline sponsor, which indicates something of a trend away from the ‘rec frenzy’ that characterized the early Expo years towards a more mature, ‘wellness’ market.  Howarth says the sponsorship fits neatly as the cannabis health and wellness market is a growing segment in South Africa.

Synergy specialises in medical and wellness products and services and is a SAHPRA approved conduit for people seeking to be medical cannabis patients under the dispensation allowed in Section 21 of the Medicines Act.

Synergy Wellness CEO Jon Hodes believes the long-term future of the cannabis market will be in the medical and health sectors. He says  ‘recreational’ usage is likely to lose its novelty once legalization sets in and that the medical cannabis market in South Africa is still in its infancy and showing encouraging signs of growth.

“Year-on-year increases in patient numbers reflect a growing recognition of cannabis as a legitimate therapeutic option for chronic conditions” he told Cannabiz Africa. “The potential is significant, especially as more healthcare providers and patients gain a better understanding of its benefits. With the right infrastructure and regulatory support, South Africa could develop a sustainable medical cannabis sector serving tens of thousands of patients in the near future.

The Expo is undoubtedly the premier networking event of the year with the focus this year likely to be on growing relationships within the industry in the wake of the stakeholder outrage last month that saw the Government forced to overturn its cannabis foodstuff ban.

The networking highlight will be the Cheeba Cannabis and Hemp Summit, effectively an informal AGM of private sector stakeholders to assess the current state of play in the cannabis industry.

There are four main thrusts to the Expo:

• A Consumer Carnival of Note: A celebration of freedom, music, food and fun with the biggest array of cannabis products on the continent under one roof and a completely legal environment to consume cannabis and get high;

• Business Showcase Extravaganza: Over 100 cannabis entrepreneurs will be showcasing their goods and services to the public and have the opportunity to engage with their customers;

• The Cheeba Cannabis and Hemp Summit: The finest minds in the industry will be giving their views on a range of issues from policy to technology, with the discussions providing a springboard for non-government stakeholder momentum going forward;

• The X Factor: This is Africa's premier networking event of the year. The Expo is where business is the order of the day at every level: deals are done, schemes are hatched, relationships are forged and new ideas are born.

Expo organizers say there are likely to be over 100 exhibitors from across the cannabis value chain, including:

• Cannabis, CBD, and Hemp products such as tinctures, sprays, vapes, creams, balms,

• clothing, and much more

• Cannabis cultivation and growing equipment, including fertilizers, nutrients, and irrigation solutions

• Extraction equipment and techniques for both personal and commercial use

• Research, compliance, and regulatory insights

• Health, wellness, and cosmetics products

• Medical and pharmaceutical cannabis solutions

• Education, training, and recruitment opportunities

• Funding providers for cannabis businesses

• Software solutions for cannabis operations

• Smoking and vaping accessories, including pipes, bongs, papers, and more

The consumer experience includes:

• The Cannabis Food Market : For those with a taste for delicacies, there will be a wide range of cannabis-infused meals, treats, and beverages. Indulge your taste buds while enjoying the unique flavors and the therapeutic effects of cannabidiol (CBD).

• The Freedom Festival: the ultimate hangout for cannabis enthusiasts throughout the three-day event. Visitors, exhibitors, and delegates can unwind at this vibrant outdoor festival, featuring a stage with live bands, DJs, and a relaxed atmosphere.

• Private Members-Only Area sponsored by Just Blaze, this is for those

•  wishing to legally enjoy THC cannabis products in a comfortable lounge setting.

Early bird tickets are available at R150/person - book here.

Exhibitors interested in taking space at the Expo should contact Sarah Howarth: sarah@thecannabisexpo.co.za

For more info visit the Cannabis Expo Website here.