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“Essentially We’re Looking to Legalize Social Growing Clubs’ says Lidell’s lawyer as THC High Court Date Now Confirmed for 6 June

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THC case has implications for all PCC’s

The Haze Club (THC) director Neil Liddell’s application to have private cannabis clubs (PCC’s) declared officially legal has been set down for the Cape High Court for 6 June 2022. This was confirmed to Cannabiz Africa by his lawyer Andrew MacPherson of Ward Brink Attorneys on 4 May 2022, who said he was hoping for resolution after the case had been dragging on for months

“Our argument is that the way the THC private cannabis club model was implemented did not break any law and the criminal case should be dropped. That would create a precedent that the THC model was legal.”  He said If the court went in this direction it would  immediately bring legal clarity to the other 40 or so allegedly legal PCC’s believed to be operating in the country. He said that if the court found against the application, the Constitutional Court was the next option to “cure a constitutional defect in the law”.

 

Danger that PCC’s could be stuck in legal grey zone for years

MacPherson said there was a danger that the legal status of PCC’s could remain in a grey zone for years until such time as new over-arching cannabis legislation was introduced as envisaged in the National Cannabis Master Plan (NCMP). Liddell understands how painfully slow the law crawls.  has It has already been almost 18 months and four postponed court dates since Liddell was charged for dealing in cannabis even though he claims that the grow op for his THC PCC was completely compliant with all existing laws. And while his life has been put on hold, with the threat of jail time hanging over his head, PCC’s elsewhere in the country have been flourishing, almost all with the clearance of the local police station commander.

 

Allowing only people with access to private property to legally grow cannabis is discriminatory

“Essentially we’re looking to legalize social growing clubs where people can grow on behalf of other people who can’t. Prince 3 (The 2018 Constitutional Court ruling that consuming cannabis in private was not against the Constitution) deals with the general law of application. If a law doesn’t apply equally to all people then it’s discriminatory. Allowing only people with access to private property to be able to legally grow cannabis discriminates against people who have no such access. 

“The social growing club is modelled on the community garden concept, where for instance in rural villages some members of the community specialize in growing vegetables on behalf of the wider group. The same should apply to cannabis. Not everyone can grow or is in a position to grow. What about the homeless and the handicapped? Many professionals, such as doctors working double shifts, would love to grow their own cannabis but don’t have the time and not everyone has the expertise. It makes sense for PCC’s to legally fulfill that gap by growing cannabis in a regulated way for a closed group of members and a binding constitution.

 

No place for PCC’s in new Cannabis for Private Purposes Bill

Senior State Law Advisor Sarel Robbertze sees no place for private cannabis clubs in the amended Cannabis for Private Purposes Bill. He told Parliament’s Justice and Correctional Services Portfolio Committee on 23 November 2021, that he had considered incorporating the model into the Bill but decided against it – because it would be too burdensome on the state to police! 

He said: “We acknowledge that in certain jurisdictions private cannabis clubs are allowed in respect of the private use of cannabis. We did consider that but it would require substantial regulatory oversight, inspection of facilities and compliance over strains. It is our submission that it is unpractical in the South African situation to provide for cannabis clubs.”

He said the same would apply to community grow-ops. These would be too complicated to police and could be subject to multiple offences and duplicate reporting. “It therefore cannot be accommodated” and were not considered options. 

“What if you have one man with four kilograms who says he’s growing on behalf of three others? This will create problems for law enforcement.

The post “Essentially We’re Looking to Legalize Social Growing Clubs’ says Lidell’s lawyer as THC High Court Date Now Confirmed for 6 June appeared first on Cannabiz Africa.

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High Expectations: A Journey Through the Cannabis Expo in Johannesburg

Exploring the Cannabis Landscape in Johannesburg South Africa

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Embarking on a journey through the vibrant cannabis landscape at the Cannabis Expo in Johannesburg was nothing short of extraordinary. From groundbreaking innovations to the palpable enthusiasm in the air, the event left an indelible mark on every attendee.

The expo showcased a myriad of cutting-edge cannabis products, each a testament to the industry’s relentless pursuit of excellence. From revolutionary cultivation techniques to colorful consumption devices and mouth watering edibles on sale.

Navigating through the bustling crowd, I had the privilege of engaging with industry pioneers. Their insights into the cannabis market’s evolution were not only enlightening but also provided a glimpse into the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.

Amidst the booths and displays, I witnessed the beating heart of Johannesburg’s cannabis community. Passionate advocates, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts gathered to share their experiences, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie.The expo was a melting pot of cultures and perspectives, a true reflection of the diverse tapestry that makes up South Africa’s cannabis community. From traditional rituals to modern practices, the event celebrated the rich heritage woven into the fabric of cannabis culture.

Embarking on a journey through the vibrant cannabis landscape at the Cannabis Expo in Johannesburg was nothing short of extraordinary. From groundbreaking innovations to the palpable enthusiasm in the air, the event left an indelible mark on every attendee.

The expo showcased a myriad of cutting-edge cannabis products, each a testament to the industry’s relentless pursuit of excellence. From revolutionary cultivation techniques to colorful consumption devices and mouth watering edibles on sale.

Navigating through the bustling crowd, I had the privilege of engaging with industry pioneers. Their insights into the cannabis market’s evolution were not only enlightening but also provided a glimpse into the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.

Amidst the booths and displays, I witnessed the beating heart of Johannesburg’s cannabis community. Passionate advocates, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts gathered to share their experiences, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie.The expo was a melting pot of cultures and perspectives, a true reflection of the diverse tapestry that makes up South Africa’s cannabis community. From traditional rituals to modern practices, the event celebrated the rich heritage woven into the fabric of cannabis culture.

As the day unfolded, it became evident that the cannabis community in Johannesburg is not just an industry; it’s a movement. The call to action, echoed through the vibrant atmosphere, resonated with a shared goal — to uplift and support one another. I extend an invitation to join hands in supporting the cannabis movement. Your contribution can pave the way for more events, more innovations, and a future where cannabis is embraced and understood.

In conclusion, attending the Cannabis Expo in Johannesburg was an immersive experience, an odyssey through the present and future of a rapidly evolving industry. From groundbreaking innovations to the heartbeat of a united community, every moment underscored the significance of cannabis in South Africa’s cultural narrative. As we move forward, let’s continue to support and celebrate the boundless potential that lies within the cannabis community.

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Unleashing Creativity: Cannabis and Artistic Inspiration

Cannabis + Creativity doc shares stories of plant-infused artistry

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Cannabis, often synonymous with creativity, has served as a muse for countless artists, musicians, writers, and thinkers throughout the annals of history. This profound connection between cannabis and the arts is brilliantly illuminated in the recently released short documentary, “Cannabis + Creativity,” directed by Elana Frankel, with Kassia Graham serving as the assistant director

Poster by Dan Tashman

In this captivating film, a diverse array of artists representing various creative realms come together to dive deeper into the profound influence of the cannabis plant on their creative processes. The subjects range from accomplished composers and musicians to renowned poets and innovative designers. The documentary delves into both the personal and professional lives of these six visionary artists, offering an intimate glimpse into their unique creative methodologies, all while unravelling the profound impact that cannabis has on their artistic expression.

Within the short timeframe, viewers are treated to firsthand testimonials from each creator, as they generously invite us into their personal relationship with the plant. Whilst providing a window into their creative workflow as impacted by cannabis. Each individual brings their own fresh perspective, coupled with personal anecdotes, sharing stories of entrepreneurial journeys in the cannabis industry, or how they turn to cannabis-infused edibles to help them tap into their creative wellspring, slowing down the world to forge profound connections with their artistry.

Director Elana Frankel eloquently encapsulates the essence of the documentary, stating, “Can cannabis increase creativity? We embarked on a journey of discovery within our documentary, ‘Cannabis + Creativity.’ Through the lens of six individuals hailing from diverse backgrounds and professions, we set out to explore how this remarkable plant supports and fuels their creative lifestyles. They experiment, take risks, break rules, and most importantly, they have fun. In the end, they all share a common tool – cannabis – as a means to express themselves and bring their artistic visions to life.”

The intricate interplay between cannabis and creativity is a subject of enduring fascination. Cannabis documentaries have emerged as an invaluable medium, not only for educating but also entertaining audiences, shedding light on the multifaceted aspects of this versatile plant. So dive into this green frontier and be sure to include “Cannabis + Creativity” on your must-watch list

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The Prospect of Hemp in India

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The relationship of India with Cannabis dates back to 2000 BC when religious scholars called it one of the five sacred plants in ancient Vedas Texts. Still, the plant is illegal to use in many parts of the country except for research, medical purposes, and government-authorized premises. However, today, India is developing as one of the leaders working to revitalize the industrial hemp crop. It has changed the lives of millions of Indian farmers. This sustainable crop can be used in making over 25,000 products. These include medicine, textile, oil, food, and gas. 

China, on the other hand, is the largest producer of industrial hemp. It shares more than 20% of world production growing agro-economy crops. Even in America, there are 32 states that have legalized the cultivation of ‘Cannabis Sativa’, and Canada also established itself as the leading producer of hemp seeds for various uses. As the countries around the world are taking the initiative regarding hemp cultivation, India has also joined the race, working to revitalize the 12,000 years old hemp crop. 

Industrial Hemp- A Leader of Agro Economy

When it comes to cannabis plants or hemp, the first thought is to associate it with psychoactive drugs called Marijuana, which is not completely true. Industrial hemp has a long controversy of being linked with marijuana. However, the major thing to consider is -the amount of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is what makes marijuana a psychoactive drug. In hemp, Cannabidiol (CBD) has a more significant percentage as compared to the amount of THC, which makes it user-friendly. Moreover, this percentage doesn’t make it fall under narcotics, which is illegal. In the Hemp flower, the THC level is between 0.02% and 0.3% compared to the level in marijuana, which is 5% to 10%. According to 1985’s Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic substances Act, the cannabis plant with a lower THC level than 0.3% is legal for commercial cultivation. 

Perfect Areas for Hemp Cultivation

In India, the Ganges river basin is considered a perfect area for the cultivation of hemp. Any barren hilly region with water-scarce is considered a positive area for the cultivation of hemp. Hemp needs consistent moisture only during the establishment of germination and seedling. The average rainfall (annually) in India is between 300-650mm, which is appropriate for the cultivation of industrial hemp. As a tropical nation, India has an amazing photoperiod that is also beneficial for the growth of hemp. The best part about hemp crop cultivation is – it can be grown without the use of herbicides or pesticides. Moreover, it can be used in crop rotation to remove soil remediation, pesticide effects, weeding fields, and bioabsorption of containment and heavy metals. 

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, there are many benefits of hemp cultivation. It will increase GDP per capita and uplift the socio-economic level of the Indian farmers. Although India is trying to seek alternatives to conventional farming that involves pesticides and chemical fertilizers, Industrial hemp is moving ahead with organic farming and better sustainable agriculture practices. For Indian farmers, industrial has become a profitable and reliable source of income. However, it is yet to see what steps the government of India takes to get maximum benefits from this miraculous crop.

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