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The Let's Talk Hemp PodcastAuthor: Morris Beegle
The Lets Talk Hemp Podcast is back with Season 4! A biweekly podcast, focusing on all things hemp, and featuring a rotating guest co-host along with multiple hemp industry leaders from North America and around the world. Topic matter includes everything from policy and legislation, technology and innovation, to all the amazing products and benefits that can be produced from the hemp plant, Volume Up is an entertaining, engaging, and educational perspective on the current state of the hemp industry. Language: en Genres: Alternative Health, Business, Entrepreneurship, Health & Fitness Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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The Cape Town Tapes: Exploring Hemp Innovations in South Africa
Episode 10
Friday, 7 March, 2025
Pioneering Hemp in Africa: Insights from South Africa's Hemp LeadersWelcome back to the Let's Talk Hemp podcast, Volume Up! I'm your host, Morris Beagle, and today we're diving into the vibrant hemp and cannabis scene in Cape Town, South Africa. After an enriching experience at the Kenya Hemp Conference, I spent nearly three weeks in Cape Town, exploring the local industry and meeting some incredible people.Highlights from Cape TownHemporium and the Hemp HotelI had the pleasure of staying at the Hemp Hotel, the tallest hemp structure in the world, with my colleague Paul Benham from the Hemp Plastic Company. The hotel used over 60 tons of hemp in its construction, offering a unique and sustainable experience. Hemporium, a hemp retail shop located in the same building, has been a pioneer in the industry since 1996. Tony Budden, the founder, shared insights into the versatility of hemp and the importance of creating a sustainable market.Key ConversationsTony Budden, Hemporium: Tony discussed the challenges and opportunities in the hemp industry, emphasizing the need for local hemp genetics and the potential of biophilic design in creating natural living spaces.Trenton Birsch, Chiba Africa Hemp and Cannabis Training Academy: Trenton's academy is a government-approved and accredited school, providing essential training in hemp and cannabis cultivation.Natie Ferreira, Daga Pharmacy Cannabis Farms: Natty, an ornamental horticulturist and agronomist, shared his expertise in hemp and cannabis genetics, highlighting the importance of local adaptation for successful cultivation.Tanya Clarke, Invigrow: Tanya, who recently relocated from Malawi, has been a significant player in the hemp and cannabis industry. She discussed the regulatory landscape and the potential for regional markets in Africa.Regulatory InsightsSouth Africa is making strides with new regulations, including a proposed 2% THC limit, which is more lenient than the current 0.2-0.3% in Europe and the US. This change could significantly benefit local farmers and the industry as a whole.Future ProspectsThe conversations I had in Cape Town were enlightening and inspiring. The local industry is poised for growth, with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation. I look forward to spending more time in South Africa and continuing to amplify the message of hemp's potential.Sponsor AcknowledgmentA big thank you to our sponsor, Her Many Voices, a platform where grassroots activism meets indigenous wisdom to benefit all of Earth's inhabitants. Visit them at hermanyvoices.org TIME STAMPS:00:00:00 - Introduction and Sponsorship00:00:45 - Cape Town Experience00:01:27 - NoCo Hemp Expo Announcement00:01:38 - Cape Town Highlights00:02:09 - The Hemp Hotel00:02:20 - Hemporium Store Overview00:03:13 - Interviews with Industry Leaders00:03:34 - Introduction to Cape Town Tapes00:03:46 - Hemporium Store Tour00:04:19 - Tony Budden Introduction00:04:34 - Hemporium's Mission00:05:16 - Industry Challenges and Opportunities00:05:59 - Relocation to Hemp Hotel00:06:10 - Hemp Hotel Features00:07:03 - Biophilic Design Concept00:07:39 - Global Hemp Industry Insights00:08:00 - 2% THC Regulation00:09:37 - Pioneering Hemp Regulations00:10:39 - Paul Benham's Commentary00:11:12 - Addressing THC Creep00:12:05 - Local vs. Imported Varieties00:13:08 - Building a Regional Market00:14:01 - Sustainable Industry Goals00:16:01 - Invitation to Cape Town00:16:26 - Future of Hemp Regulations00:17:08 - End Use Focus00:18:03 - Learning from Global Experiences00:18:13 - Interview with Tanya Clark00:19:01 - Tanya's Background and Malawi Experience00:19:38 - Cannabis and Essential Oils in Malawi00:20:11 - Industrial Hemp Trials and Lobbying00:21:17 - Cannabis Regulatory Authority in Malawi00:22:03 - Medical and Industrial Cannabis in Malawi00:22:49 - Cannabis Regulatory Framework00:23:43 - Business Lines and Market Testing00:24:38 - Regional and Global Market Expansion00:25:11 - Relocation to Cape Town00:26:28 - Cape Town's Appeal00:26:43 - Operating in South Africa00:27:04 - African Agenda on Global Stage00:27:15 - Successful Models and Challenges00:28:01 - Quality Standards and Regulations00:28:22 - Regional Trade and Market Expansion00:29:08 - Collaboration with U.S. and Africa00:30:05 - 2% THC Regulation Impact00:30:47 - Traditional Healing and Plant Medicine00:31:08 - Inter-Africa Trade Potential00:32:06 - Traditional Healing Elements00:32:41 - Recruiting for Africa00:33:24 - Interview with Nattie Ferreira00:34:24 - Nattie's Background and Daga Pharmacy00:35:09 - South Africa's Cannabis Rights00:35:30 - Community and Grower Support00:36:36 - Farm Tour and Land Sharing00:38:00 - Nursery and Genetic Varieties00:39:00 - Early CBD Genetics00:40:06 - Chinese and Vietnamese Hemp Varieties00:41:09 - Registration and Trials00:42:00 - THC Compliance and Local Conditions00:43:00 - End Use Focus for Hemp Products00:44:01 - THC Remediation Technology00:45:00 - Disruptive Potential of Higher THC Limits00:46:00 - Regulatory Challenges and Opportunities00:47:00 - Future of Hemp Industry00:48:08 - Patriotism and Land Diversity00:49:03 - Political Support and Activism00:49:36 - Interview with Trenton Birch00:50:01 - Johannesburg's Climate and Potential Morris Beegle morris@morrisbeegle.com@morrisbeegle @LetsTalkHemp @NoCoHempExpo @ExperienceHemp @WAFBAofficial And a new day will dawn for those who stand long and the forests will echo with laughter Produced by PodConx Sound Designed by Jamie Humiston - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-humiston-91718b1b3/
