Brett Hilton-Barber: Synergy has pioneered this concept in South Africa of ‘medibles’. What are ‘medibles’ conceptually? What goes into making them?

RG: At Synergy we use the word 'Medibles' to describe the products that we have developed, and make it clear what they are. But it's important to understand how things are classified according to South African law. The Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act of 1972 says that 'Foodstuffs' are basically anything you'd normally eat or drink.

Our 'Medibles' are different, they are not regulated as everyday food. Instead, because of what they're made for and what they contain, they will all be overseen by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) who makes sure health-related products are safe and do what they say they do.

Our products will all fall under what's called 'Complementary Medicines', and more specifically, they're most likely in the 'Health Supplements' category. So, to put it simply, our ‘Medibles' are not considered ‘Foodstuffs’, they will be health products.

BHB: What medible products is Synergy producing? 

RG: We're excited to be announcing ‘Synergy Medibles' in May 2025! Here's what you can expect in our first line-up: We have CBD+ Pastilles. You'll be able to choose from four great flavours: Blackcurrant & Ginger, Naartjie & Grapefruit, Mango & Blood Orange, and Passionfruit, Guava and Ginger. We also have a hydration beverage, a refreshing powdered nartjie drink, using real fruit.

While busy with product development and initial trial runs, we are also working hard to get our own new facilities up and running, we have secured the building (May 2025) and will be setting up the required facilities to make sure everything we produce meets the SAHPRA (that's the South African health products people) requirements.  Accredited external service providers are assisting us till then.  

BHB: What are the ‘safety features’ of the product?

RG: Synergy Medibles adhere to SAHPRA's regulations, which ensure the safety and well-being of the public. These regulations guide what we can say about the benefits of our 'Medibles'.

We will be focusing on communicating how our products support general health and well-being, and in accordance with SAHPRA's guidelines, we do not make any claims that they treat or cure specific illnesses. SAHPRA's regulations are in place to protect consumers and ensure that health products are marketed responsibly.

BHB: Are they available only to registered medical patients or over the counter? 

RG: Synergy Medibles CBD+ products are compliant and Schedule 0, they will initially be available at registered and accredited Synergy Wellness stores.  We are considering other suitable retail outlets, but will wait to see what happens with legislation.

BHB: I take it people will be able to get a taste of medibles at the Expo?

RG: In terms of the Expo, yes, we'll be at the Synergy Wellness Stand to give everyone a sneak peek at what our ‘Synergy Medibles’ range is going to look like. We'll be there mainly to chat with Synergy Wellness store owners, as well as other businesses who may be interested in creating their own, compliant, product ranges.

BHB: How did the edibles ban affect you?

RG: Complementary medicines has always been central to our vision. We have developed hemp foodstuffs that meet the current requirements, however that is all on hold as we wait for legislative changes.

BHB: Have you been sitting on the concept for a while and how is the strategy playing out?

RG: Synergy Medibles was initially conceptualized in 2021 and will be announced at the May 2025 Cannabis Expo. The vision was to bring together professional food and beverage product development with the one of the largest compliant cannabis groups in Southern Africa. This vision recognized the importance of meeting stringent regulatory standards from the outset.

The Synergy Wellness Group, of which Synergy Medibles is a part, has invested in establishing a vertically integrated operation. This approach allows for oversight of the entire production chain, from seed to final product, ensuring quality control and compliance at every stage.

Our strategy includes white-label production for partners, leveraging our expertise and compliant production capabilities. 

Our key priorities are compliance, accreditation, and delivering high-quality products.

BHB: Any other special projects that merit publicizing at this stage?

RG: We have a professional product development team with more than thirty years of experience in the food and beverage industry, and are constantly developing and improving products.  We are in the process of establishing an international collaboration with industry specialists, which will position the group at the forefront of the global 'medibles' sector.

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