NWU launches IKS Matekwane Sandbox for cannabis access

Researchers at the North West University say their recently approved IKS Matekwane Sandbox is a significant milestone in ensuring people are able to access opportunities to participate in the commercialization of cannabis.

The university hosted traditional leaders and healers as well as indigenous farmers at the University’s Molelwane Farm in Mahikeng to discuss cannabis cultivation, sale and legal consumption.

Cannabis researcher at the North West University, Dr Thandeka Kunene, says, “Phakisa resolved to include the indigenous knowledge systems communities, which is people who’ve got a right to share in the commercial benefits of cannabis. So, if you look biofuels, animal feed, construction and textiles, we are talking about a lot of jobs. However, what we need is the people to do it for themselves. We are saying we are creating the Africa that we desire and the North West province that we desire, our districts as we desire them.”