Empowering Through Cannabis Education

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Justice Dept Publishes Draft Regulations for Cannabis Act, Invites Public Input by 5 March 2026

05/16/2026Brett Hilton-Barber, Cannabiz Africa

The draft regulations for the Cannabis Act have finally been released. They propose a legal maximum possession of five cannabis plants by an individual adult and up to 750 grams of dried flower. The regulations also allow for the expungement of criminal records relating to cannabis, but commercial trade remains outlawed. 2026/02/04 02:41 The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development has published draftregulations in terms of the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act, 2024 (Act No. 7 of 2024), for public comment. They were gazetted on 3 February 2026, 20 months after the Act was signed into law by President Ramaphosa shortly before the May 2024 general elections. The draft regulations allow for an individual adult to possess up to 750 grams of cannabis flower on any given day, and grow up to five plants of any strain. The regulations do not allow for either the seeds or cannabis flower to be purchased, which as many observers have pointed out, is an inherent deficiency in the law as any commercial transactions of cannabis remain prohibited. The regulations also make no mention of private cannabis clubs or legacy communities, which therefore remain consigned to the ‘Grey Zone’ until the cannabis commercialization policy is developed separately. The Justice Ministry says regulations governing the trade of cannabis fall completely outside of its scope as it’s task was to give effect to the Constitutional Court decision of 2018 which affirmed the legal right to possess and consume cannabis privately. “Matters relating to the commercial cultivation, buying or selling of cannabis or cannabis products, as well as the recognition of traditional growers, fall outside the scope of the Act and are being addressed by other government departments, including those responsible for Trade, Industry and Competition, Agriculture, and Health” said the Ministry in a media statement issued on 3 February 2025. It says the Act provides a regulatory framework for the use, possession, cultivation, and transportation of cannabis for private purposes and makes provision for the expungement of criminal records for persons previously convicted of certain cannabis- related offences. “While the Constitutional Court did not prescribe specific limits on the quantity of cannabis that may be possessed or cultivated for private use, it left this determination to Parliament” says the statement. “The Act accordingly empowers the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development to determine such limits through regulations. “In developing the draft regulations, the Minister considered a range of factors, including what may reasonably constitute private use, the number of cannabis plants required to support such use, and relevant international benchmarks.” The Justice Department says members of the public and interested stakeholders are invited to submit written comments to the Department by 5 March 2026. “All submissions received will be carefully considered before the regulations are finalised. Once finalised, the proposed limits will be submitted to Parliament for approval prior to coming into effect.” It concludes: “The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development encourages constructive public participation in this consultation process as part of its commitment to transparent and inclusive law-making. https://www.cannabiz-africa.com/blog/justice-dept-invites-public-comment-on-cannabis-for-private-purposes-act-deadline-5-march-2026

South Africa’s Biggest Cannabis Industry Event Returns to Johannesburg in 2026

05/16/2026

South Africa’s cannabis industry is set for another major milestone as The Cannabis Expo 2026 returns with an expanded format designed to elevate both business opportunities and the visitor experience. Taking place from 29 to 31 May 2026 at the Sandton Convention Centre, the event will once again bring together thousands of attendees, more than 100 exhibitors, and a diverse mix of industry professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, consumers, and thought leaders from across the cannabis ecosystem. Recognised as one of Africa’s leading cannabis-focused gatherings, the expo continues to position itself as a credible, commercially driven platform that supports industry growth, innovation, education, and networking. A Growing Hub for Cannabis Business and Culture Over three days, visitors can expect a comprehensive showcase of products, services, technologies, and experiences representing the full spectrum of the cannabis industry. From cultivation and wellness to retail, finance, legislation, and lifestyle, the event aims to create meaningful engagement between brands and consumers while helping businesses expand their reach within the rapidly evolving South African market. This year’s edition introduces several enhanced experiences and dedicated spaces aimed at delivering deeper industry value and stronger community interaction. What to Expect at The Cannabis Expo 2026 The Cheeba Cannabis & Hemp Summit One of the event’s key attractions is the return of the Cheeba Cannabis & Hemp Summit 2026, taking place on 29 May. The summit will feature masterclasses, keynote presentations, workshops, networking opportunities, and panel discussions led by local and international experts. Topics are expected to include cultivation science, hemp innovation, policy development, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and the future of cannabis in Africa. Designed for both professionals and serious enthusiasts, the summit offers a more technical and educational deep dive into the industry. For more information, visit Cheeba Summit . Expo Stage Discussions The Expo Stage will host moderated conversations and presentations featuring global industry leaders and specialists. Attendees can expect discussions around: Cannabis legislation and regulation Agriculture and cultivation innovation Medical cannabis and wellness Investment and finance opportunities Retail trends and market development Consumer education The stage is designed to encourage dialogue around the opportunities and challenges shaping the cannabis sector both locally and internationally. Mixology Fest Adding a lifestyle element to the weekend is the all-new Mixology Fest — a premium social experience focused on drinks, live music, food, entertainment, and community. Running across all three days, the festival aims to blend cannabis culture with elevated hospitality and social connection in a vibrant setting. The Vape Expo by IGNITE A major addition to the 2026 programme is The Vape Expo by IGNITE, described as one of South Africa’s fastest-growing vape and alternative lifestyle showcases. The experience will cater to both B2B buyers and consumers, bringing together vape brands, accessories, innovations, and lifestyle products under one roof. Food Market and Private Members Area Visitors can also explore a curated Food Market offering a variety of cannabis-infused and non-infused meals, snacks, desserts, and beverages. For guests seeking a more exclusive experience, the Private Members Area will provide premium hospitality, curated activations, networking opportunities, and elevated experiences tailored to industry professionals and VIP attendees. A Platform for Industry Growth At its core, The Cannabis Expo remains focused on building a sustainable and responsible cannabis economy in South Africa. The event’s expanded format reflects the increasing maturity of the industry and growing demand for structured business engagement, credible education, and meaningful networking opportunities. Across the venue, attendees will have access to: A large-scale exhibition floor featuring leading cannabis brands Industry-focused panel discussions and expert talks Dedicated networking and meeting spaces VIP delegate experiences for stakeholders and professionals Educational workshops and technical sessions The 2026 edition is proudly presented by BudBox, a locally founded private members cannabis club known for its discreet, service-led approach and advocacy for responsible participation within the sector. Event Information Event: The Cannabis Expo 2026 Dates: 29–31 May 2026 Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily Venue: Sandton Convention Centre Tickets and additional event details are available at The Cannabis Expo Official Website .

Welcome to the Family Reunion! Hemptech 2026 in Ghana Aims to Link Africans Across the Atlantic

05/16/2026

A new cannabis investment drive in Ghana is changing the nature of how the rest of the world does business with Africa. In stark contrast to corporate cannabis model of multinationals using the continent to secure low cost flower, a new framework is in the making – an intra-African model building a cannabis ‘bridge’ between the diaspora and the people back home. Behind this new movement is the Co-operative Executive Management Team (CEMT ), a United States-based organization that has been advancing the interests of black farmers in the cannabis and hemp sector. A trip to Africa in 2019, sparked the larger vision of CEMT than just representing black Americans. “Most black farmers are in Africa, the youngest population that will be consuming food is in Africa, and the opportunities to scale up a business quickly are in Africa” says CEMT which is positioning itself as a service provider for connecting Africans on both sides of the Atlantic in agribusiness. CEMT is behind Hemptech 2026 , which is taking place in Accra, Ghana, next month, and is pitching the gathering as much more than an Expo. The opening day of Hemptech 2026 is 19 June 2026, commemorated in the US as Freedom from Slavery Day, underscoring the theme of black emancipation, now reloaded as economic freedom through building bonds across the Atlantic, as the conference tagline, “Welcome to the Family Reunion!” suggests. CEMT has identified Ghana as one of the ‘next frontier’ cannabis countries on the world stage. Although the cannabis regulations released earlier this year have been criticized for pricing locals out of the market, the country is nonetheless signalled that it is open for cannabis. “As Europe and global markets continue searching for the next major frontier in industrial hemp and medicinal cannabis, Ghana is rapidly emerging as one of Africa’s most strategic investment destinations” says a statement from CEMT. It says Hemptech 2026 will bring together international stakeholders, policymakers, agricultural experts, diaspora investors, researchers, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs at the Mikaddo Conference Center in Accra, Ghana from 19 to 21 June 2026. For more details: Click HERE This is an excerpt of CEMT’s statement of 12 May 2026: Hemptech 2026 Conference Theme: "Green Energy, Digital Innovation, Value-Addition, Farming Infrastructure, Legalities, and Diaspora Engagement for Successful Agribusiness" Recognized as Africa’s longest-running hemp conference platform, HempTech has evolved into a serious working forum focused on industrialization, export readiness, value-addition, infrastructure, organic farming systems, legal frameworks, and cross-border partnerships. This year’s conference theme — Green Energy, Digital Innovation, Value Addition, Farming Infrastructure, Legalities, and Diaspora Engagement — reflects the growing shift toward sustainable agricultural economies and compliant cannabis development across Africa. With Ghana’s medicinal and industrial cannabis framework now operational, HempTech 2026 arrives at a critical moment for global investors seeking early-stage positioning in West Africa’s regulated hemp sector. The conference will feature discussions on: - Industrial hemp processing - Organic farming systems - Green construction materials - Agricultural technology - Export infrastructure - Cooperative farming models - Diaspora investment opportunities - Cannabis policy and compliance - Rural industrialization and job creation International speakers and participants are expected from Africa, Europe, North America, the Caribbean, and Asia, positioning HempTech as one of the continent’s leading networking and business development platforms for the hemp and cannabis industry. The conference is designed not only for cannabis stakeholders, but also for agricultural technology companies, processors, exporters, renewable energy firms, construction innovators, and policymakers interested in Africa’s next phase of sustainable development. Ghana is no longer simply discussing the future of hemp and cannabis — it is building the infrastructure for it! For European businesses and investors, HempTech offers a rare opportunity to engage directly with emerging African markets at an early stage while establishing relationships that may shape future regional supply chains and partnerships.