cannabis

Photo: Western Cape Government

The Western Cape is ‘positioning itself’ to be SA’s cannabis capital

Western Cape Agriculture MEC Ivan Meyer said the local cannabis industry is worth R28 billion and could create up to 25 000 jobs.

cannabis

Photo: Western Cape Government

Western Cape Agriculture MEC Ivan Meyer said the cannabis industry in South Africa is worth billions and the province is positioning itself to become an integral part of the industry’s value chain. This comes after he visited the Felbridge Cannabis Farm outside Stellenbosch on Tuesday, 29 September.

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Meyer said the visit highlighted the cannabis industry’s “enormous potential” for attracting domestic and foreign investment as well as developing Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs). The local sector also adds value by processing and manufacturing products for local and export markets, according to the MEC.

“The South African cannabis industry is estimated at R28 billion and can create between 10 000 to 25 000 jobs across the entire value chain,” said Meyer. “The Western Cape Province is positioning itself to become a value chain hub of cannabis production.”

Meyer added that a value chain approach to developing the local industry could lead to income generation, job creation and skills development and the diversification of the economy. He also said that since the cannabis industry is “untapped” it has massive potential to contribute to the economic recovery of the province.

“That is why we look forward to engaging with the DALRRD’s [Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development] Cannabis Master Plan. By doing so, the Western Cape can contribute to strengthening critical aspects of the Plan, such as developing sustainable seed supply systems and supporting those who want to enter the industry,” said Meyer.

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