Cannabis to be grown for medicinal use in Cape Town
In our practice and on this website we have followed the cannabis story closely, from the first ruling that cannabis consumption in private by adults would not be prosecuted on the basis of privacy laws, to the legalisation of cannabis for personal use by the Constitutional Court, to the passing of new legislation and the police directive by Police Commissioner General Khehla Sithole.
So we were delighted to learn that Cape Town is set to be the first place in South Africa to grow cannabis for medicinal use, in a partnership with Canadian company Canopy Growth. You could say it is a joint venture.
Cannabis creates jobs
Atlantis, 40 kilometres north of Cape Town, is a deprived area with high unemployment and a range of associated social problems. The cannabis initiative will make use of 12 hectares of vacant land in the area and will bring much-needed jobs to the local population and boost the economy. Approximately 250 jobs will be created in the Atlantis Special Economic Zone (ASEZ).
Medical innovation
The facility will cost R638 million to build, with a further R1.5 billion to be invested in Phase Two, over the next four years. The plant will produce cannabis-based pharmaceuticals, such as gel capsules, and puts South Africa in the global spotlight for medical innovation. One of the attractions of Cape Town as a location is our reputation for excellence in health care and health research.
South Africa ahead of the pack
South Africa is known for its progressive stance on many issues, backed by our robust, rights-based Constitution, which we at SDLAW take great pride in upholding. We were proud when South Africa introduced same-sex marriage and pleased when we legalised the private use of cannabis. As Cape Town attorneys we are delighted to see our fair Cape host the first venture of this sort in South Africa, once again proving that we lead the world in medical advancement, just as we did with the first heart transplant.
Here to help
If you need legal advice or assistance related to cannabis possession or consumption or on any other matter, contact Cape Town Attorneys on 086 099 5146 or email simon@sdlaw.co.za. We are now in Johannesburg and Durban too.
Simon Dippenaar
https://www.sdlaw.co.zaCape Town attorney Simon Dippenaar has a BBusSc LLB degree and Professional Diploma in Legal Practice from the University of Cape Town, and is an admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa. He is the founder and director of private legal practice, Simon Dippenaar & Associates, with offices in Cape Town and Gauteng representing South African and international clients.
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