South Africa's new Country Investment Strategy (CIS) has identified the export of high quality medical cannabis as the driver of what it calls Strategic Investment Frontier Number Four. Oh dear. Mistake Number One before we've even got to the Fourth Frontier. The first driver of cannabis reform should be the opening up of the commercial trade of cannabis and related products in the domestic market. The private sector has pointed the obvious economic logic of this to the Government time and time and time again: a succesful export industry is best built on a thriving local market that enables the development of new products and brands that can be incubated before exposed to the world stage. It takes time to develop an international reputation. Three years ago, South Africa - and the rest of the continent, may have been in the running for being a player in the European medical cannabis market. Just like we had the potential to be a world leader in hemp 25 years ago. But Government aversion to reality and policy paralysis has let those opportunities slip by. Today the situation is radically different. Legalization of medical cannabis in Europe is unfolding far more rapidly than the industry anticipated. With the prospect of Germany introducing adult-use consumption within the next two years and medicinal cannabis patient numbers climbing through the roof, the foundation for a multi-billion dollar high quality, high-THC cannabis is being laid in Europe. That should be good news for Africa. But in the dynamic world of canna-geopolitics, we are once again in danger of being marginalized. Portugal has literally pipped us to the post. Two recent comments from global industry leaders have cast a shadow over South Africa's cannabis strategy, and the unfortunate Akanda boardroom blow-out has tarnished Africa's reputation as a place where one can do business. These comments point to Portugal's rising prominence in global cannabis. Akanda's CEO, Tej Virk, rightfully miffed at the twilight actions of former executive chair Louise Mojela, and looking to secure a foothold in the German market, said the Nasdaq-listed multinational was committed to its Lesotho investment. But he said, it made more sense to service the European market from the group's Portuguese subsididiary, Holigen, rather than Africa. "With Holigen, Akanda believes it has more than sufficient capacity to produce premium quality indoor, outdoor and greenhouse medical cannabis within the European Union as the market matures. Additionally, with shifting market dynamics, we have found higher demand from German and UK customers for product produced in Portugal than Lesotho due to evolving EU regulations”. Prohibition Partners' founder Stephen Murphy told Canna Reporter on 14 August 2022: , “There is enough cannabis being grown in Portugal that it could supply all of Europe. There is already oversupply in Portugal” So where does this leave southern Africa? A bit on the margins, as usual. What our cannabis policy commissars should be doing with serious urgency is to relook at their assumptions underlying cannabis reform. The country's cannabis economy will be dead in the water if it is based only on exports, and by neglecting the local market, Government continues to criminalize the very people it professes to want to help. And besides that, there's an underlying hypocrisy at stake. What is it about Africa that it wants to export the benefits of a natural resource without allowing Africans the same benefit? Why is high-THC cannabis good for Europe and not for us? South Africa should be leading the way in showing the rest of the continent how we can use the power of the plant to transform the lives of millions of people, particularly in rural areas. However, until such time as the Government accepts the reality of the existing illegal cannabis economy and puts in place a firm plan to bring it into the mainstream, it risks igniting the laws of unintended consequences and the prospect of a lose-lose situation. Cannabis is emerging as the new colonialism in the African vacuum. It exposes our policy makers as being cut-and-paste puppets who are quick to satisfy the needs of big business at the expense of our people. We should stop looking to Europe as our salvation and be bold enough to believe in ourselves. Full adult-use legalization is the only solution. All the evidence is available to craft a new cannabis law that allows for the commercial trade in cannabis and related products with all the harms-reduction measures in place. And as a matter of urgency, cannabis-related arrests must stop!

Vegetative stage – Soil mix and nutrients The teething problems we’ve experienced with our #seedling has (luckily) come to an end. Our #BlueDream plant is now growing rapidly and showing no signs of any issues that might hold her back. We’ve decided to transplant into more nutrient rich soil, as the plant requires feeding, especially nitrogen in its vegetative stage. The #plant will now develop most of the foliage and a strong root system. A good soil mix is important at this stage. The benefits of #organic soil are staggering. We recommend the following components for an optimum greenhouse mix: Coco coir Bagged soil (preferably organic compost) Vermiculite Perlite Bat guano Kelp meal Bone meal Dolomite Lime Mycorrhizae supplement The combination of the above and specific amounts is up to you. The internet and various grow guides will help with this process, but we recommend #experimenting with different mixes and combinations that are specific to your style of growing and your personal environment. Get to know your #ingredients and their benefits and then figure out what your plant needs during vegetative and flower stage. Currently during veg, the feeding should be high nitrogen, low phosphorus, and moderate potassium: for example, 9-4-5. The alternative is to buy a #premixed craft #soil, but these are expensive, especially if you grow quite a few plants at a time. Craft soils have all the macro and micronutrients needed for your plants growth, and are a good start for any beginner, if cost is of no concern. Read All the Blom Grow Diary Entries In Our #HomeGrow Section #homegrom #cannabis #weed #marijuana #hemp #bluedream #growguides #week6and7 #cannabizafrica

Seedling Stage – Patiently waiting… As we have mentioned last week, we’ve picked up some #problems with our seedling. Even though this may have put us behind on our expected grow cycle for about a week or two, luckily we’ve managed to save our plant. “Stretching” seemed to be the main issue here. #Transplanting and keeping an eye on the seedling’s light cycle helped a bit, but we took some drastic measures by gently “super cropping” the plant. This is a high stress training technique where the plant is stressed in a strategic way by crushing the stems. This boosts growth in your plant, and helps you train it effectively. This is not recommended in seedling stage, but desperate times, as they say. We gently pressed the stem of the seedling, applying only enough pressure not to break the plant. After a few days we noticed our seedling developed healthier growth. Short internodes and compact, green foliage are all signs that seedlings are growing perfectly. For now, we wait. Checking in daily is extremely important. There will be signs that indicate if your plant is happy and healthy or needs intervention. During #vegetative stage and especially after our plants experienced a lot of stress, we like to play them some music. #Plants thrive when they listen to music that sits between #115Hz and 250Hz, as the vibrations emulate similar sounds in nature. This promotes faster, healthier growth (although more concrete studies on cannabis are needed). The trick is to find the right #music your plants respond to. According to #science, Classical music and Jazz seems to be the main choice for ultimate plant stimulation. Plants only like to be exposed to music for 1 to 3 hours per day. This is one of BLOM’s favorite playlists: Cheek to Cheek – Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong At Last – Etta James I Put a Spell on You – Nina Simone I Can’t Write Left Handed – Bill Withers Crazy – Patsy Cline Sittin on the Dock of the Bay – Otis Redding Take Yo’Praise – Camille Yarbrough Into the Mystic – Van Morisson Let’s Stay Together – Al Green Back in Black – Amy Winehouse

Nyandeni Municipality Punts Cannabis as an Investment Opportunity to Ease Dreadful Poverty Explore More Thailand: Pro Cannabis Party Makes Better Than Expected Parliamentary Gains Explore More Portland, Oregon is the Most “Cannabis Friendly" City in the US; Birmingham, Alabama the Least Explore More PREVIOUS NEXT Dawn Rowlands, CEO Dentsu Africa 23/09/27, 10:00 As South Africa prepares for the full legalisation of cannabis, the country finds itself at the forefront of a burgeoning industry that will see digital and influencer marketing, educational campaigns and new media spaces emerging. This article first appeared in Media Online on 13 July 2023. The legalisation of cannabis has opened a multitude of opportunities for businesses in South Africa. The country boasts a favourable climate for cannabis cultivation and, with its rich biodiversity, it is well-positioned to become a major player in the global cannabis market. As local entrepreneurs and investors recognise this sector’s potential, we can expect a significant increase in cannabis production, processing, and distribution. The growth of this industry will also add significantly to employment opportunities – not just in cultivation, but also in the various by-products. The legalisation of cannabis has paved the way for a transformative shift in the advertising and marketing landscape. With the removal of legal barriers, businesses in the cannabis industry can now openly promote their products and services. However, this newfound freedom comes with a need for responsible advertising practices and compliance with regulations. Targeted digital marketing In the digital age, targeted marketing plays a crucial role in reaching the right audience. The local cannabis industry is likely to leverage digital platforms, including social media, online publications, and search engines, to effectively target potential consumers. By employing data-driven strategies and understanding consumer preferences, businesses can tailor their messages to specific demographics, thereby maximising their reach and impact. Influencer marketing Influencer marketing has become an increasingly popular approach to connect with consumers authentically. Influencers who align with the values and ethos of the cannabis industry can help establish trust and credibility. As regulations permit, we can expect to see the rise of cannabis influencers who can educate and inform their followers about the benefits and responsible use of cannabis products. Educational campaigns Given the historical stigma surrounding cannabis, education will be a key aspect of the industry’s marketing efforts. Businesses are likely to invest in educational campaigns to dispel myths, provide accurate information, and promote responsible consumption. By empowering consumers with knowledge, the cannabis industry can establish itself as a reliable and trustworthy sector. Product differentiation As the market matures, competition among cannabis businesses will intensify. To stand out, companies will need to focus on product differentiation. This will require innovative branding strategies that highlight unique qualities, such as organic cultivation methods, sustainable practices, or specialised product formulations. Building strong brand identities will be crucial for businesses to establish themselves in this evolving landscape. Opportunities abound FMCG: Companies can explore opportunities in producing cannabis-infused products such as snacks, beverages, and edibles. This includes items like cannabis-infused chocolates, gummies, energy drinks, or even cannabis-infused cooking ingredients.These products can cater to both the medicinal and recreational cannabis markets. Fashion: Can be incorporated with hemp clothing and accessories, as well as cannabis-themed designs and prints. Advertising agencies will need: Specialised teams that cater to cannabis businesses. These agencies can help create targeted campaigns, develop branding strategies, and navigate the unique challenges and regulations surrounding cannabis advertising. Alcohol-infused drinks: There may be opportunities for the creation of cannabis-infused alcoholic beverages. These can include beers, spirits, and cocktails that incorporate cannabis extracts or flavours, offering consumers a new range of options. Health and wellness: The health and wellness industry is already exploring the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis, and develop products such as CBD oils, creams, and supplements. These products can be marketed for various purposes like pain relief, relaxation, and general wellbeing. Cosmetics: Cannabis-infused beauty and skincare products are gaining popularity worldwide. South Africa’s cannabis industry is poised for exponential growth in the near future – bringing significant changes to the advertising and marketing landscape. Digital marketing, influencer collaborations, educational campaigns, and product differentiation will become essential components of successful marketing strategies in the cannabis sector. However, businesses must remain mindful of compliance with regulations and the need for responsible advertising practices. As the cannabis industry takes shape, it will be exciting to witness the creative ways in which businesses navigate this new frontier. By embracing innovation, responsible practices, and consumer education, the future of the cannabis industry in South Africa looks promising, with a vibrant advertising and marketing landscape driving its growth. # SOUTH AFRICAN CANNABIS INDUSTRY BREAKING NEWS Brought to you by: Marketing SA: Cannabis Legalization Will Open A Whole New Door Of Opportunity Home African News South African News International News All News Marketplace Business News More All South African News Are Sponsored by: CHEEBA AFRICA Hydrobiz Support Locals Networking for your business Meet like minded people Advertise with us today Connecting People Opportunity for all Supporting Business Growth

Marketing SA: Cannabis Legalization Will Open A Whole New Door Of Opportunity 27 September 2023 As South Africa prepares for the full legalisation of cannabis, the country finds itself at the forefront of a burgeoning industry that will see digital and influencer marketing, educational campaigns and new media spaces emerging. Read Article Space Cookie Saga: Attempted Murder Charges Laid As Questions Are Raised As To Whether Cannabis Was To Blame For School Chaos 25 September 2023 In what is an unprecedented prosecution, two street vendors arrested for selling space cookies to at least 90 young children have been charged with attempted murder. Read Article UCT Lung Institute Study: Rich Kids Increasingly Vaping to Deal With Stress 25 September 2023 Research across three provinces shows that vaping is increasingly seen as a stress-reliever amongst wealthier kids, with their preferred substances being tobacco and cannabis. Read Article Thai’d Up In Knots: New Govt to Reverse Cannabis Reform 22 September 2023 Thailand’s new prime minister, Srettha Thavisin, has said his government will “rectify” its cannabis policy and limit its use to medical purposes within six months. Read Article Taking it to the Next Scientific Level: Cape Sativa Launches New NanoCBD Water Product Range 22 September 2023 The plant gives in all its forms. Now we have a South African company patenting a nanotechnology platform to produce 100% ‘bioavailable cannabidiol water’, which they say makes CBD easier to absorb into the body. Read Article US Study Shows Safe Daily CBD Dose is Up to 13 Times Higher Than What SAHPRA Allows 21 September 2023 There’s been a lot of controversy around acceptable daily doses of CBD, with SAHPRA setting a 20 mg limit. Now a US study headed for Congress says safe dosages could be 13 times higher, with up to 160 Mg of CBD/day being safe for most healthy adults. Read Article Parents Distressed As 90 Gauteng Primary School Kids Are Hospitalized After Eating “Space Cookies” 21 September 2023 Chaos at school as scores of learners eat cannabis-infused muffins prompting an anxious rush of parents, emergency workers and ambulances to the scene. Read Article No Mention of Plant Limits in Latest Version of Cannabis Bill; Further Public Input Likely 21 September 2023 Cannabis to be dropped from the Drug Trafficking Act but “dealing” will still be illegal. Further public input on the Cannabis Bill is now likely. Read Article Senior SAPS Officer: No More Arrests for Personal Possession of Cannabis, But Dealing is Still a Crime. 18 September 2023 The South African Police Service has confirmed that they will no longer be bothering to arrest anybody for personal-use cultivation or possession of cannabis. Read Article Nyandeni Municipality Punts Cannabis as an Investment Opportunity to Ease Dreadful Poverty 18 September 2023 One of South Africa’s poorest municipalities is pinning some of its development hopes on cannabis. Nyandeni in the Eastern Cape recently hosted a development summit where its mayor said the cannabis industry alone could create many jobs if it could be formalized. Read Article Here We Go: Ex SAHPRA Employee Investigated in Cannabis License Scam 6 September 2023 Pam Mohlabe has been fingered in an ongoing investigation that she issued medical cannabis licenses fraudulently. This report from IOL News. Read Article German Private Cannabis Clubs on a High as Legalization Looms 4 September 2023 Hanover's cannabis club started as a fringe outfit of nine members campaigning for the right to legally light up joints. Now the group, and others like it, are flourishing and mainstream as Germany gears up to legalise adult-use cannabis. 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LATEST NEWS IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN CANNABIS INDUSTRY Stay in the know with the latest news in the South African cannabis industry, from political news to social and legal updates. Own your industry by staying on top of the latest developments and be empowered to move beyond colonial thinking. Home African News South African News International News All News Marketplace Business News More Wednesday, 27 September 2023 Marketing SA: Cannabis Legalization Will Open A Whole New Door Of Opportunity READ Monday, 25 September 2023 Space Cookie Saga: Attempted Murder Charges Laid As Questions Are Raised As To Whether Cannabis Was To Blame For School Chaos READ Monday, 25 September 2023 UCT Lung Institute Study: Rich Kids Increasingly Vaping to Deal With Stress READ Friday, 22 September 2023 Taking it to the Next Scientific Level: Cape Sativa Launches New NanoCBD Water Product Range READ Thursday, 21 September 2023 Parents Distressed As 90 Gauteng Primary School Kids Are Hospitalized After Eating “Space Cookies” READ Thursday, 21 September 2023 No Mention of Plant Limits in Latest Version of Cannabis Bill; Further Public Input Likely READ Monday, 18 September 2023 Senior SAPS Officer: No More Arrests for Personal Possession of Cannabis, But Dealing is Still a Crime. READ Monday, 18 September 2023 Nyandeni Municipality Punts Cannabis as an Investment Opportunity to Ease Dreadful Poverty READ Wednesday, 6 September 2023 Here We Go: Ex SAHPRA Employee Investigated in Cannabis License Scam READ Monday, 4 September 2023 Trade and Industry Dept Appoints Legal Team to Get Interim Cannabis Reform Measures in Place By Year End READ Monday, 4 September 2023 Khoisan Women To Introduce Traditional Cannabis Construction Techniques into the Modern Sphere READ ​ Regulatory Uncertainty Bites SA's Biggest CBD Brand: Goodleaf Temporarily Pulls Its Range Off The Shelves READ Explore More CHEEBA AFRICA Hydrobiz Support Locals Networking for your business Meet like minded people All South African News are Sponsored by: CHEEBA AFRICA Hydrobiz Support Locals Networking for your business Meet like minded people