The Green Rush - South African cannabis economy off to a rough start

Currently, in South Africa, cannabis is the talk of the town. Since the decriminalization in September of 2018, there have been 5 different "Cannabis Expos" around the country, and businesses have been popping up left and right. Even though there is a thriving economy surrounding cannabis, in South Africa the sale and trade of cannabis and products containing THC is still very illegal. Which begs the question:

Are South Africans blowing up an cannabis-economy bubble that will pop before trade and sale of the plant is even legal?

So what is legal in the cannabis-economy in South Africa?

At the moment cannabis users are legally allowed to use and cultivate cannabis in the privacy of their own homes. That means that a whole market has exploded around the sale  of cannabis growing equipment, cultivation nutrients, LED grow lights and everything in between. Ofcourse, there is still the illegal market too, where the sale of cannabis and cannabis products also happens. Unfortunitly arrests are also still happening in South Africa.

Is the money grab happening too fast?

Yes.

There really is no other way to put it. Many people that were not involved with cannabis before decriminalization, now wants a finger in the pie. Some have taken a direct approach opening illegal "dispenceries" under the guise of being traditional healers. Others have literally got their finger in the pie by producing and selling edibles. South Africans are hungry for cannabis, and when we look at what they have been Googling, it's pretty clear "Cannabis oil" has the potential for big business.

If anything South Africa needs a sustainable cannabis model that will help not only enrich those that are already rich, but also those living in poverty that has been growing and supplying South Africa with cannabis for years. There are plenty of rural areas that relies on the cannabis plant as a crop to grow and sell. These people are sorely being overlooked by government fat-cats and their friends.

Licenses for growing cannabis and producing medical cannabis are apparently being granted. These licenses are yet to be seen in the physical form, but the chatter around those receiving licenses is being heard all over the country. South Africa's government is as corrupt as a government can be, and we should not be surprised about the scheptisism that surrounds anyone willing to get in bed with any government officials.

Where does this leave the general public?

Most who don't want to sell their soul to the devil has been involved with the cannabis economy in South Africa for years before legalization was a topic of discussion. The smart ones have gone about business as usual, keeping their business private. There is also a flourishing cannabis seed market that offers commission to affiliates that can actually cause sales. A legal grey area at the moment, seeing as the sale of cannabis seeds is technically illegal, but affiliates are technically not selling cannabis seeds and cannabis seeds don't contain THC.

Those silly enough to openly advertise their sale of illegal cannabis on social media and other online platforms, have systematically been hit by the uneducated and backwards hand of the law. Some call it civil disobedience while others call it blatant stupidity.

The future is green for those who keep their nose clean

The buds will soon be seperated from the sugar-leaves, so to speak. Plenty of fake CBD oils, cannabis oils and sub-par cannabis is currently being sold. Especially under the guise of the medical benefits of cannabis. The future of cannabis in South Africa might still be a massive grey area, but one thing is clear: South Africans don't like getting lied to. And the liars are making their beds and will have to lie in them.

Let's just hope that whatever the laws might look like in future, they are laws for the people and not laws against the people.