The Cannabis Expo’s headine sponsor, Synergy Wellness, is planning a mass give-away of its new Medibles range of CBD pastilles at the event which takes place at the Sandton Convention Centre from 30 May to 1 June 2025.

The first 1 000 visitors through the expo doors on each of the three days will have the option of receiving a new Synergy Medibles product, with the choice of a rapid onset Pastille or a ‘WAVE’ sachet of naartjie hydration beverage, which is the latest ‘big idea’ to come out of the innovative South African cannabis industry. 

In addition to this, all VIP guests will receive a complimentary sample of the brand new WAVE hydration drink and a free consultation voucher to sign up for section 21 through Synergy Wellness or Hush.  

Million Rand Medibles Giveaway

Synergy group CEO Jon Hodes says the R1 million give-away promotion is part of Synergy’s ‘immersive experience’ brand building approach to market the medical cannabis services the company offers. 

Synergy is South Africa’s largest medical cannabis service provider, accounting for most of the sign-up and processing of cannabis patients in the country and fulfilling their prescriptions with flower and other SAHPRA-approved cannabis products. It has over 250 outlets for its products and services which make it one of the largest cannabis distribution networks in the world. 

Synergy Medibles is a ‘co-lab’ between Synergy Wellness and Plant Inc, who have been working on the product concept and refining it for well over a year. Robin Grobelar, of Plant Inc, who is heading up the Synergy Medibles division, says a great deal of research has gone into the product development.

He explains that Synergy’s Medibles won’t be regulated as a foodstuff, but as a health product, which means that it will fall under existing SAHPRA guidelines for consumer safety. 

Medibles a 'Complementary Medicine'

“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” says Grobelaar.

“Synergy Medibles offers a convenient and refreshing way to potentially experience the benefits of full spectrum CBD with flavoured pastilles, or a naartjie-flavored hydration beverage powder. 

“This product combines the non-psychoactive cannabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD), with electrolytes in a powdered form designed to be mixed with water. The real fruit naartjie provides a pleasant taste, making it an enjoyable way to consume CBD” he says.

Grobelaar explains that the inclusion of electrolytes can aid in hydration, particularly after physical activity or during periods of fluid loss.

“This type of product appeals to individuals seeking the potential calming or wellness effects of CBD in a readily absorbable and hydrating format” he says.

Medical Cannabis a Seperate Regulatory Process to Legalization via Cannabis Act

Hodes says Synergy’s strength is that it has ‘walked hand-in-hand’ with regulators and law enforcement agencies every step of the way since he conceptualized the group’s vision six years ago. 

He says it’s important to remember that medical cannabis has nothing to do with the Constitutional Court ruling upholding an adult’s right to consume cannabis in a private space. 

Access to medical cannabis has been possible for much longer through compassionate care programs and he points out that the legalization of medical cannabis has been a separate regulatory process to the passing of the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act. 

“While we fully support responsible full-adult legalization, our focus is on the health sector” says Hodes. “We work closely with stakeholders from both the public and private sector to ensure our guidelines in bringing services and products to market legally are always current.” 

Synergy: We Are In No Way Part of the 'Grey Zone'

“Let me be clear” says Hodes. “We are not part of the ‘grey zone’ of cannabis retailers that are out there – and I’m including the people who are misusing Section 21 – who are almost all breaking the law. Everything we do is completely legal, which is why we have been able to build up such a strong distribution and retail network.

“Synergy believes that cannabis is a powerful health tool that has many positive benefits if used properly” says Hodes. “But its consumption is not for everybody and that’s why we have a rigorous screening of people wanting to become medical cannabis patients”.

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