South Africa appears to have been targeted by a sophisticated cannabis digital cannabis distribution and investment scheme, masterminded by controversial cannabis entrepreneurs Maxmillian White and Ricardo Capone. Taking advantage of South Africa’s lack of regulatory oversight, they have moved in under the cover of Dr Green and Professor Herb.

First Flight Out of Town Not a Moment Too Soon

Dr Green has already had an inauspicious country launch in South Africa. Barely two weeks after a glitzy affair in Johannesburg on 17 May 2025, it’s marketing campaign came to a standstill on the eve of the Cannabis Expo. Or rather it didn’t come to a standstill, but hotfooted it for ORT on the first available flight out of the country.

Ricardo Capone is reportedly alive and well and residing in an unknown location after hastily leaving South Africa and abandoning the Dr Green stand at the Expo.  Although there has been no confirmation as to the circumstances of his sudden disappearance, a Cannabiz Africa source says Capone he was visited by a group of men ‘looking for their money’ and decided shortly thereafter to flee.

Capone, a flamboyant, self-styled cannabis digital marketeer is a close associate of British Jamaican businessman Maxmillian White, who have attracted controversy since last year’s international launch of Dr Green. Now they have brought the brand to South Africa touting NFT’s to access the global medical cannabis market and blending it with a club model offering local online distribution.

Joining the Dots: Ricardo Capone is Both Dr Green and Professor Herb

White and Capone are also behind another newcomer to the South African market. Professor Herb Medical Cannabis quietly began operations in April 2025 as an online retail operation masquerading as a medical cannabis services provider. Professor Herb Medical Cannabis appears to be a subsidiary of Leciester-based company, Professor Herb, which claims to be one of the fastest growing CBD brands in the UK and Europe with its range of products that are alternatives to nicotine.

White is listed as CEO of PHMC which is currently launching operations in SA and the UK, as well as Dr Green.  Capone is listed as CFO of both.

The relative impunity with which Dr Green and Professor Herb have set up shop in South Africa speaks volumes about the lack of regulatory oversight in the country. The fact their operations have come under scrutiny and hit obstacles are not due to law enforcement but ‘Grey Zone’ creditor dissatisfaction.

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