Africa's first cannabis dispensary opens in Durban North

Durban North is now home to Africa's first cannabis dispensary.

But for now, there's no way to buy cannabis flowers at the Holistic Relief Wellness and Pain Management Center. Instead, a chiropractor, a homeopath, and a general practitioner will see patients and will be able to prescribe various cannabis oils or Ayurvedic ingredients.

Krithi Traver, the founder of the dispensary, is, however, clearly positioning himself ahead of the upcoming legalization of cannabis in South Africa.

«Our treatments combine traditional medical practices in chiropractic, physical therapy, and the treatment of acute and chronic conditions to treat the entire body. The practitioners at our center are all healthcare professionals who have conducted extensive research on the medical uses of cannabis and have enthusiastically embraced its potential benefits.»

Krithi Traver adds that a growing number of studies show that cannabis can be used safely, with virtually no side effects, for a wide range of therapeutic applications and for the effective management of mild to severe pain.

«A global consensus is emerging that hemp is, in fact, a «miracle» plant, and we are extremely pleased to finally be able to offer this «miracle» to Durban,», said Thaver.

In addition to therapeutic products, the clinic will also offer «Marley coffee» and edibles in a café.

In March of last year, the country's High Court issued a landmark ruling by declaring the ban on personal cannabis use unconstitutional, effectively legalizing the cultivation and possession of cannabis at home.

The country is now awaiting a change in the law for the legalization to take effect. Medical access to cannabis is already authorized, even though Many challenges remain for patients who want to treat their conditions with cannabis.