KwaZulu-Natal is gearing up for a groundbreaking two-day Cannabis-Hemp Conference & Expo that aims to unlock the vast potential of the cannabis industry in South Africa. The event, organized by the Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, aims to provide rural entrepreneurs with the latest technology, funding, and market access to become leading exporters of high-quality cannabis products. The conference and expo are also expected to boost the local economy while promoting environmental sustainability, and will be open to a diverse audience including industry experts, government officials, and local communities.
What is the KwaZulu-Natal Cannabis-Hemp Conference & Expo?
The KwaZulu-Natal Cannabis-Hemp Conference & Expo is a groundbreaking two-day event aimed at unlocking the vast potential of the cannabis industry in South Africa. Organized by the Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the event aims to provide rural entrepreneurs with the latest technology, funding, and market access to become leading exporters of high-quality cannabis products. The conference and expo are also expected to boost the local economy while promoting environmental sustainability.
KwaZulu-Natal Gears Up for a Groundbreaking Conference
KwaZulu-Natal, a province located in the heart of South Africa, is preparing to unlock a billion-dollar treasure through an upcoming two-day Cannabis-Hemp Conference & Expo. Scheduled for the 27th and 28th of October at the Okhahlamba Sports Complex in Bergville, this groundbreaking event is organized by the Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The conference aims to capitalize on the vast potential of the cannabis industry, which has been legalized for medicinal purposes within the country.
This event is designed to help local communities that have been growing Insangu, the local term for cannabis, to access global trading markets. With an estimated value of R107-billion in the local industry, the conference presents a significant opportunity for rural entrepreneurs to become leading exporters of high-quality cannabis products.
In order to provide these communities with the latest technology, funding, and market access, the involved Departments are working together to build an integrated approach that includes all government departments and entities. Facilities such as the Analytical Services Laboratory at Cedara and the Agro Processing facilities at Dube Trade are being offered to enable these communities to produce medicinal cannabis that meets international standards.
The Many Benefits of Cannabis
The conference and expo are expected to significantly boost the local economy, but the advantages of cannabis go beyond financial gains. For cancer patients, cannabis offers relief from nausea and appetite loss. Nutritionists value it as a seed that is second only to soybean in terms of nutritional value, providing cooking oil and vitamins. Additionally, manufacturers of paper and cloth have long recognized the plant as a source of material that yields four times more fiber per acre than trees.
Environmentalists also support the cannabis plant for its ability to slow down deforestation and replenish nutrients lost by other crops. Cannabis has the potential to positively influence not only the lives of those who grow it, but also the natural environment that surrounds them.
A Diverse Audience for a Sustainable Future
The KZN Cannabis – Hemp Conference & Expo is open to the public and is expected to attract a diverse audience, including the KZN Premier, Members of the Executive Council, industry experts, government departments, Amakhosi, local communities, cooperatives, small and medium-sized enterprises, the Rastafarian community, and representatives from the creative and cultural industries. The event aims to ignite meaningful discussions, promote knowledge sharing, and lay the foundation for a sustainable and prosperous future for the entire province of KwaZulu-Natal.
In addition to the conference and expo, a series of information sharing sessions are also planned to take place across the province. These sessions strive to create a ripple effect, empowering even more communities to participate in the thriving cannabis industry.
As the world’s perception of cannabis shifts, it is encouraging to witness initiatives like the KZN Cannabis – Hemp Conference & Expo endeavor to create opportunities for rural communities to flourish. By unlocking the full potential of this versatile plant, KwaZulu-Natal is on the brink of a new era of economic development, community empowerment, and environmental sustainability.
1. When and where is the KwaZulu-Natal Cannabis-Hemp Conference & Expo taking place?
The KwaZulu-Natal Cannabis-Hemp Conference & Expo is taking place on the 27th and 28th of October at the Okhahlamba Sports Complex in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal.
2. Who is organizing the KwaZulu-Natal Cannabis-Hemp Conference & Expo?
The event is organized by the Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
3. What is the aim of the KwaZulu-Natal Cannabis-Hemp Conference & Expo?
The event aims to unlock the vast potential of the cannabis industry in South Africa, provide rural entrepreneurs with the latest technology, funding, and market access to become leading exporters of high-quality cannabis products, boost the local economy, and promote environmental sustainability.
4. Who is the target audience for the KwaZulu-Natal Cannabis-Hemp Conference & Expo?
The event is open to a diverse audience, including industry experts, government officials, local communities, Amakhosi, cooperatives, small and medium-sized enterprises, the Rastafarian community, and representatives from the creative and cultural industries.
5. What facilities are being offered to enable communities to produce medicinal cannabis that meets international standards?
Facilities such as the Analytical Services Laboratory at Cedara and the Agro Processing facilities at Dube Trade are being offered to enable communities to produce medicinal cannabis that meets international standards.
6. What are the advantages of cannabis?
Cannabis offers relief from nausea and appetite loss to cancer patients, provides cooking oil and vitamins, and yields four times more fiber per acre than trees. It can also slow down deforestation and replenish nutrients lost by other crops.
7. Are there any information sharing sessions planned to take place across the province?
Yes, a series of information sharing sessions are planned to take place across the province to empower even more communities to participate in the thriving cannabis industry.
8. What is the potential impact of the KwaZulu-Natal Cannabis-Hemp Conference & Expo?
By unlocking the full potential of the cannabis industry, KwaZulu-Natal is on the brink of a new era of economic development, community empowerment, and environmental sustainability.
