By Levy Masiteng
Western Cape agriculture, economic development and tourism MEC Ivan Meyer has welcomed the government’s decision not to stick with a recent ban implemented by Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi on foodstuffs containing hemp and cannabis.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Tuesday night that more stakeholder consultation and public participation on the formulation of new regulations that would limit health risks and the negative impact of foodstuffs containing cannabis and hemp, particularly on minors, was needed.
Meyer said on Wednesday that this would open the doors for a flourishing cannabis and hemp industry that promised not only to generate thousands of jobs, but also to enhance public health and stimulate economic growth in the region.
“This will lead to the development of policies and rules that support the potential of the cannabis and hemp industry to generate jobs, improve public health, and boost economic growth,” Meyer said in a statement on Wednesday.
As stakeholders prepared for comprehensive public consultations, Meyer said the Western Cape was poised to harness the untapped potential of this burgeoning sector, with a carefully crafted framework already in place to guide its development.
The Western Cape Cannabis Framework and Implementation Plan, also known as the CanPlan, was launched in March 2023.
It provides detailed insights into the current and future scenario (production, processing, exports) of cannabis and hemp in the agricultural sector.
“One of the Government of National Unity’s objectives is inclusive growth, so we must protect jobs and support the value chain,” said Meyer.
“Let us use the consultation period to fully appreciate the value chain of this sector, including research, biotech and testing capability, IT and logistics, brand-building, agriculture and agri-processing and infrastructure.”
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