Event marks progress in cannabis sector

The Phakisa Action Lab was convened recently to prioritise more urgent policy implementation.

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As part of the South African government’s Country Investment Strategy, the cannabis and hemp sector has been identified as one of 14 priority sectors holding significant potential to secure investment, job creation and support for sustainable rural livelihoods.

In an effort to give priority to the need for more urgent policy implementation, government convened the Phakisa Action Lab in mid-June, under the auspices of the Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), together with the Presidency.

The Action Lab forms part of Operation Phakisa, a government initiative designed to fast-track the implementation of solutions on critical development issues.

More than 100 participants representing national and provincial government, business, labour, communities, traditional leaders, Rastafari leaders, scientists, legal experts, and other key stakeholders attended.

The aim of the event was to secure much-needed policy coherence and agreement on a stronger programme of well-defined, time-bound and assigned activities across many government departments working in close collaboration with all stakeholders.