Cannabis ‘first’ for South Coast

As the world continues to change, the medical and agricultural fields are also adapting to advancements within the cannabis sphere.

In a first of its kind in KwaZulu-Natal, the Baobab Training Group (BTG) has partnered with Rocky Ridge in Ramsgate to introduce the first Agri-Seta accredited cannabis cultivation course.

This is a big step especially for the South Coast, considering the conservative views towards cannabis to this day. However, it may come as a surprise to one that the South Coast is amongst one of the best places in the country to grow cannabis.

“The traditional cannabis growing areas on the coast are known as the ‘Dagga Belt’. These areas are perfectly suited for the cultivation of cannabis, have many existing farmers, and are home to some of the world’s most famous strains such as Durban poison,” said Jakes van der Hoven of Rocky Ridge.

With the area perfectly suited for cannabis cultivation it is believed that the industry will generate thousands of jobs and drive economic growth, tax collection and rural economic development in the area.

Numerous sectors can benefit ranging from small scale cultivation through to high tech pharmaceutical manufacturing and industrial hemp processing. By including these farmers and further developing the industry, especially hemp, will drive an inclusive, regulated and legal industry.

Also according to Jakes, Rocky Ridge has applied for the necessary legal permits to have cannabis plants on site which can be used during training. Initially the focus will be on training but in time commercial cultivation opportunities may be looked at.

In addition it has been recognised that food security and general farming can be combined with cannabis with a number of existing Agri-Seta accredited courses having already been secured in various farming disciplines.

While the stigma around the ‘smoking of dagga’ remains, most people are finally starting to realise the benefits of this amazing plant which go far beyond smoking.

The World Health Organisation has acknowledged the medical benefits of cannabis. Hemp has been identified as a critical tool in fighting climate change and the need to transition into a more ‘green’ economy.

South Africa has legalised the cultivation of medical cannabis and hemp however under strict regulations, while the Constitutional Court has recognised the right to use cannabis in private.

“The people that remain anti-cannabis simply need education and training in my opinion. The public support for the legalisation of cannabis is at an all time high (pun intended),” Jakes said.

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