Gov reveals cannabis master plan adding the plant to school curriculums

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

A booming industry across multiple countries, boasting billions in industry development and mass career opportunities, the once illegal “miracle plant” will now, as part of gov’s master plan, come to the aid of South Africa’s deplorable unemployment challenges while jointly progressing the ever-growing requirement for industry development. 

According to the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, the establishment of the Cannabis industry will lead to diversification in the economy, having a ripple effect, seeing an increase in economic growth, jobs creation and poverty alleviation.

The Department states, “The potential size of the Cannabis industry in South Africa is estimated at about R 28 billion. It is estimated that it can create between 10 000 to 25 000 jobs across the entire value chain.”

With grand potential, the Department has further pointed out the importance of cannabis, showcasing the various sectors to benefit therefrom:

While the Department has identified several challenges, which includes legislative restrictions, negative public perceptions, the threat of takeover or dominance by big corporations and pharmacy groups with big money—but, once overcome, the Master Plan provides a framework for the development of the industry, as shown in the slide below:

With the Master Plan holding prospects for future generations, the government has stated it understands the importance of educational initiatives, providing a framework on education and training matters in support of the coming cannabis industry.

This includes:

• Development and implementation of formal and informal training programmes on cannabis-related matters across its value chains.
• Integration of cannabis-related matters in curricula of schools, colleges and universities.
• Support cannabis education and training programmes through the appropriate Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs).

This will be led by the Department of Higher Education and Training, with the support of the Department of Basic Education and the Department of Labour and Employment.

As the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development looks at unrolling its Master Plan, what are your thoughts on the cannabis industry taking flight in SA? Will you be jumping on this multi-billion Rand venture?

Share your views in the comment section below.

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