With nearly a quarter of all licences for cannabis to be grown in South Africa issued in the Western Cape, entrepreneurs and enthusiasts will be out in full force this weekend as the Cannabis Expo returns to GrandWest in Cape Town, South Africa, with its biggest expo yet.
Also read: Is legal cannabis available in Cape Town?
The expo brings together thousands of cannabis industry professionals, investors and entrepreneurs with over 200 exhibitors featuring over 1 000 cannabis products and a jam-packed programme of talks and workshops. Visitors can look forward to interactive presentations and panel discussions, networking opportunities and a massive array of cannabis products and services.
The Deputy Director General of Agricultural Research and Regulatory Services for the Western Cape Department of Agriculture Ilse Trautmann, said that it was important to distinguish between hemp and cannabis but confirmed that there were dozens of licensed projects currently underway in the province. The Western Cape has issued 23% of the country’s total licences.
“The licences (for cannabis) are spread across the West Coast, Boland, Metro, Overberg and Klein Karoo, with a bigger concentration in the Cape Winelands,” said Trautmann. “Regarding hemp, which is licenced by our national Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, there are 11 permits issued in the Western Cape, with 300 permits nationally. “These permits are spread across the Western Cape.”
Trautman said that the permitting of both cannabis and hemp was at a national level, adding that the provincial department abided by the regulatory framework.
“The Department is currently in the process of compiling the first CanPlan for the Western Cape as we would like to grow the production, processing, tourism and export potential of these crops,” she added. “In this plan, the role of the provincial department will also be identified.”
“The benefits would be aligned to our growth for jobs strategy. As the department, we have been supporting and giving advice to both cannabis and hemp and we do not have concerns as long as both hemp and cannabis is legally produced with a legal permit in place.”
The cannabis industry is exploding and The Cannabis Expo provides a platform for international and local medical health professionals, agricultural providers and lifestyle brands to engage with industry experts and the public around this versatile plant.
It will be running from 24 to 26 March.
The Cannabis Expo highlights:
- The Cannabis Food Market: Browse and enjoy cannabis-infused meals, treats and drinks.
- The Freedom Festival: A vibrant outdoor festival environment hosting bands, artists and DJs.
- The Shroom Expo: Find out more about all things psilocybin.
- The Expo Stage: Presentations around cannabis-related topics that cover health, agriculture, legislation, finance and more.
- The Convention Stage: Global industry leaders present talks and take part in moderated panel discussions.
- Gizeh Chill lounge: Where you can time out and relax during the day.
Due to the nature of the content of this exhibition, access is limited to attendees over the age of 18.
Details:
- Date: 24 to 26 March 2023
- Times: Friday: 10am to 8pm | Saturday: 10am to 8pm | Sunday: 10am to 4pm
- Location: Sun Exhibits, GrandWest | 1 Jakes Gerwel Drive, Goodwood, Cape Town
- Tickets: Howler
- Contact: [email protected]
- Website: thecannabisexpo.co.za
Also read:
Don’t panic, it’s organic: Cape Town prepares for the 2023 Cannabis Expo
Picture: Supplied