Agbiz calls for research into how cannabis can grow SA's economy
The Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz) has called for more research into the cultivation and trading of cannabis in SA and worldwide.
Agbiz says South African lawmakers need to create legislative frameworks for the cannabis sector informed by facts and global trends.
The agricultural body says that SA must explore ways in which to maximise the value of cannabis beyond its recreational use.
Read: Cannabis expo ready to take SA's dagga industry to new heights
Agbiz economist Wandile Sihlobo says cannabis and hemp farming should not be excluded when considering how the agricultural industry can help grown the economy.
He says it's high time that South Africa catches up with other parts of the world.
We are behind the curve in terms what the world is doing.
Wandile Sihlobo, Agricultural economist - Agricultural Business Chamber
It is an essential time that South Africa looks closely at ways to maximising the value of cannabis.
Wandile Sihlobo, Agricultural economist - Agricultural Business Chamber
There must be clear research so that the policymakers can make decisions informed by facts and global trends.
Wandile Sihlobo, Agricultural economist - Agricultural Business Chamber
Listen to the discussion on The John Maytham Show:
More from Local

Differently abled Tarryn Tomlinson is climbing Kilimanjaro for a worthy cause
Tarryn developed rheumatoid arthritis at age 18 and is dedicated to helping create accessible spaces for wheelchair access.
Read More
W Cape Premier Alan Winde says province and city are geared up for the season
Safety and security during tourism season in the Cape is everybody's responsibility, says Winde.
Read More
SA banks ARE trying harder to lower fees - Solidarity
The Solidarity Research Institute's Monica Mynhardt gives insight into the union's tenth annual Bank Charges Report.
Read More
Humpback super-groups near Saldanha Bay 'look more like salmon than whales'
Dave Hurwitz of Simon's Town Boat Company describes the remarkable sight of massive super-groups of whales near Saldanha Bay.
Read More
Heartlands Angel Campaign: help raise Christmas funds for vulnerable children
Heartlands Baby Sanctuary in Somerset West cares for little ones who are ill. abandoned, neglected or have special needs.
Read More
Cape healing centre touching lives with unique massage therapy treatments
The centre trains visually impaired people to become massage therapists, impacting both clients and employees in a remarkable way.
Read More
Eskom rolls out stage 2 load shedding
Load shedding is back. Eskom will implement stage 2 load shedding from Thursday afternoon.
Read More
SA still among top spam-plagued countries, 40% of spam calls made by scammers
Truecaller Insights report ranks South Africa second in the world for sms spam, ninth for spam calls.
Read More
Alleged sex offender gets R50k bail, NPA confirms more charges could be added
Willem Breytenbach currently faces two charges, one of indecent assault and one of sexual assault.
Read More
Police unit opens case against CapeNature over lion cub euthanasia
CapeNature has come under fire after it emerged that it euthanised the lion cub which was rescued from an Athlone home in August.
Read MoreMore from Business

CSA needs a total cleanout, says cricket writer Stuart Hess
It's been a rough week for Cricket SA and they have a long way to go before regaining public trust, says writer Stuart Hess.
Read More
Uber SA's safety contact centre is run by 700 Egyptians all the way in Cairo
Journo Mandy Wiener travelled to Cairo as a guest of Uber to get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how the centre operates.
Read More
Cameras and security equipment sold off in last day of Bosasa auction
Park Village Auctions and Property Sales is concluding day three of the auction, disposing of assets worth around R65 million.
Read More
5 moves Les Matuson needs to make now that he's running the show at SAA
Daily Maverick's Sikonathi Mantshantsha explains which decisions should be a top priority for SAA's business rescue practitioner.
Read More
Val de Vie ranked SA's top residential estate once again
Val de Vie Estate remains number one. Ryk Neethling, the estate's marketing boss, explains what it takes to stay on top.
Read More
Want to start a small business? Lessons from a successful serial entrepreneur...
The Money Show’s Bruce Whitfield interviews Nic Haralambous, founder (at the cost of R5000!) of funky sock company Nic Harry.
Read More
Operational future of SAA lies in the hands of business rescue boss Les Matuson
SAA appointed the turnaround specialist to lead the process, and he will soon brief management on the way forward for the airline.
Read More
Considering emigration? Financial planner discusses the affordability of leaving
Can you afford to leave South Africa? Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Barry O'Mahony on what to consider before deciding.
Read More
Can't rule out load shedding this weekend, says Eskom COO
Eskom's COO Jan Oberholzer admits that there's a possibility that load shedding could continue all day on Saturday as well.
Read More
'SAA’s collapse plays nicely into hands of a politically constrained Ramaphosa'
After dithering for fear of spending political capital, SAA is now out of the President’s hands, says Pieter du Toit (News24).
Read More