The Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA) is actively working to support traditional cannabis farmers by registering local landrace seeds for commercial use. At the same time, the agency is tasked with aiding hemp permit holders in cultivating imported genetics—creating a challenging dynamic in the region.
Caught in the Crossfire
ECRDA recently found itself at the center of controversy after distributing hemp seeds on behalf of industrial cannabis processor Medigrow in Mpondoland. Following opposition from legacy cannabis growers, the seeds were recalled, with critics blaming ECRDA for inadequate handling of the situation.
However, ECRDA asserts that the issue is complex. In a statement issued on March 4, 2025, the agency clarified that it was fulfilling its mandate from the provincial Agriculture Department to support hemp permit holders while also working to integrate traditional landrace farmers into the mainstream cannabis economy.
The Policy Dilemma
ECRDA faces a difficult balancing act between the government’s industrial cannabis (hemp) plans and the legal recognition of legacy farmers and their landraces. The lack of a clear regulatory framework exacerbates the challenge, creating uncertainty for both hemp permit holders and traditional growers.
The recent hemp seed recall highlighted the broader concerns surrounding the introduction of imported hemp genetics into Mpondoland. While Medigrow CEO Edgar Adams engaged with stakeholders to address concerns, significant questions remain regarding the environmental impact of cross-pollination and land use.
ECRDA’s Commitment to Indigenous Growers
According to ECRDA cannabis specialist Sunshine Blouw, any legal cannabis economy in the Eastern Cape must include indigenous growers. While supporting hemp cultivation, ECRDA is also working toward integrating legacy farmers into a sustainable, legal market.
Blouw noted that Medigrow had stepped in to provide commercial offtake agreements for hemp permit holders, offering an opportunity for small-scale farmers to participate in industrial hemp production. The initial plan involved distributing seeds to 28 farmers as part of a broader network aiming to engage 30,000 growers under ECRDA’s guidance.
Challenges and Structural Issues
Despite its efforts, ECRDA operates under difficult conditions. While it played a role in unifying Mpondoland farmers under the Mpondoland Cannabis Business Association (MCBA) to protect and market landrace strains, current legislation prevents further progress due to restrictions on recreational cannabis sales.
Three major policy gaps remain unresolved at the national level:
- Hemp Development Plan – Assessing environmental risks, including cross-contamination with local landraces.
- Landrace Protection Strategy – Legalizing and safeguarding indigenous cannabis genetics.
- Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization – Establishing a regulated domestic cannabis market.
International experience has shown that cross-pollination between industrial hemp (low THC) and high-THC cannabis (medical/recreational) poses risks. Best practices dictate that these cultivation areas should be geographically separated. However, South Africa’s National Cannabis Master Plan (NCMP) has yet to address this issue.
The Bigger Threat to Landraces
Blouw argues that imported hemp seeds are not the greatest threat to Mpondoland’s cannabis genetics. Instead, the widespread cultivation of commercial strains like Exodus Cheese has had a significant impact over the past decade. To ensure competitiveness, landrace strains must be developed based on cannabinoid profiles and consumer demand, with official registration as commercial seeds.
Future Steps for ECRDA
The controversy surrounding hemp in Mpondoland is unlikely to dissipate soon. Medigrow has heavily invested in establishing an industrial cannabis hub at Coega, while Mpondoland farmers remain steadfast in their opposition to hemp cultivation in their region.
Despite these challenges, ECRDA remains committed to supporting both industrial hemp and legacy cannabis growers. The agency has undertaken several initiatives, including:
- Partnering with local research councils to register landrace seeds for commercial use.
- Collaborating with the Science Council to improve cannabis-based complementary medicines developed by indigenous knowledge holders.
- Exploring value-added uses for hemp biomass waste, such as construction materials.
Final Thoughts:
South Africa’s cannabis development strategy remains flawed, placing agencies like ECRDA in an impossible position. Until the divide between high- and low-THC cannabis policies is addressed at a national level, conflicts between industrial hemp initiatives and traditional cannabis farming will persist.