As we move into 2019, we are curious and excited to see what this year will bring for Cannabis/Hemp.
25 – 01 – 19
Last year saw an incredible acceleration of acceptance and legal changes around the plant. Highlights included the Constitutional Court ruling here at home, and President Trump signing the Farm Bill which effectively legalized hemp farming in the USA.
Towards the end of the year the Department of Health also issued around 37 Hemp research permits here in South Africa through the Cannabis Development Council. However, we are still waiting on clarity as to the regulations and conditions of these permits. For instance whether the produce can be processed and sold commercially. We expect to see many hemp farms planted in Spring of this year.
The Hemporium team is cautiously optimistic that soon we will be able to source our raw materials locally. This has been our dream and goal since we started in 1996. We are still pushing for proper legislation change and clear regulations so that we can help grow the local industry sustainably with products that are grown and produced with quality, the earth and the end user in mind.
Right now we are moving in dog years in the Cannabis industry. Every year feels like 7 and changes are happening so fast. It is important to take stock every now and then and realise just how far we have come. We can then reset our aims and goals.
We are grateful to see the industry opening up and to have so many more voices calling for freedom for this plant. Moreover, we continue hoping that our Government will wake up to the full opportunities that lay within this industry, and create an enabling environment and not an over-regulated one.
As always, we will continue to support local designers and product developers with the hemp materials they need. You can also look forward to some exciting new ranges under the Hemporium banner this year.
We look forward to another year of growth with you.
Thanks as always for your support.
The Hemporium Team.
