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How New Regulations Will Streamline The Cannabis Industry In South Africa

How New Regulations Will Streamline The Cannabis Industry In South Africa

South Africa is among the most advanced countries in Africa. Not only does it have an excellent infrastructure, but it also has liberal laws that have set it apart from other nations on the continent. The country’s cannabis law is an excellent example of South Africa’s massive steps to stay relevant globally.

According to Lexology, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development (DALRRD) in South Africa presented a comprehensive plan of action for cannabis to the parliament. The master plan detailed how the country can efficiently include various businesses as an ongoing effort of commercialization and legalization.  

It is a step that would be very beneficial for companies looking to sell various dispensary supplies and other cannabis-related products. The marijuana sector in the country is estimated to be 28 billion rands ($1.7 billion), potentially creating approximately 25 thousand jobs. 

Besides South Africa, other countries in the African continent are making progress with their cannabis markets. Kenya is one of the countries looking at the possibility of decriminalizing cannabis.  

Malawi’s Minister of Agriculture asked former boxing champion, Mike Tyson, to become the country’s cannabis ambassador, which he accepted.

The DALRRD Master Plan

There are various propositions entailed in the proposed DALRRD master plan. These include creating a new administrative framework for marijuana and hemp. It also supports creating a workable seed supply system that would regulate the import and export of seeds, certification schemes, and the oversight of compulsory registration. 

Additionally, the plan also outlines the need for continued research and development, particularly for the cannabis sector in the country. As the marijuana sector continues to grow, emphasis should also be placed on the export market, which would earn the country a stupendous revenue if it tapped correctly.  

Intellectual Property 

In any industry, the protection of intellectual property is paramount. It allows owners to enjoy exclusive rights for their ideas. Part of the changes tabled by the DALRRD also touches on plant breeders’ right for particular varieties of Cannabis Sativa. Such changes would facilitate easy scalability for numerous cannabis businesses paving the way for new mergers and acquisitions. 

Companies that wish to use cannabis-related trademarks will have to ensure that they accept and comply with the standards and guidelines of the Ministry of Health. Any business that will not abide by the stipulated guidelines would be infringing the law.

South Africa is a country that is at the forefront of tapping into the cannabis industry. The government has set different laws and guidelines to ensure that the freedom of using marijuana is not misused. Furthermore, it has also put in place various laws to facilitate the smooth running of the industry. 

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