Question NW2211 to the Minister of Trade and Industry
23 August 2018 - NW2211
Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry
Whether he has met with the Minister of Health and the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to further discuss the socio-economic benefits of the commercialisation of hemp farming in the country; if not, on what date will this discussion take place; if so, what are the further relevant details?
Reply:
No, I have not met with either the Minister of Health or the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to discuss the commercialisation of hemp.
However, the dti recognises the potential value to be derived from commercial value chains of Cannabis and related products. Thus it has undertaken research that seeks to understand, from an industrial policy perspective, the obstacles and opportunities for South Africa to become an active and innovative player in this growing market.
For the purposes of this research, opportunities and obstacles to develop industrial capacity and capability across the medicinal and related products will be considered. The focus will be to understand the obstacles and opportunities involved in: i) the cultivation of different strains of cannabis with specific THC and CBD composition; ii) the recovery of these compounds in the oil extraction process and iii) the beneficiation of THC and CBD through the production of medical products (using multiple delivery systems e.g. vapes, sprays, tablets, oils) as well as cosmetic and healthcare products such as balms, creams and tinctures.
The outcomes of this study will determine a way forward in terms of industrialising this sector in South Africa. Once the study has been concluded, I will engage the Ministers of Health and Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.