South Africa opens its first cannabis academy

South Africa is committed to professionalizing the Cannabis with the launch of its first accredited higher education program dedicated to cannabis cultivation and management.

The Cheeba Africa Cannabis Academy, which is set to open in March 2025, will offer a Advanced Certificate in Cannabis Production and Management, making it the first institution of its kind on the continent.

The academy's mission is clear: to provide a program structured and state-recognized which prepares students for the the booming cannabis industry. Since the Decriminalization of cannabis in 2018 and the Official legalization for personal use in 2024, the industry has experienced slow but steady growth.

A Holistic Approach to Cannabis Education

The one-year program at Cheeba Academy is structured to provide a comprehensive training covering various aspects of the’cannabis industry. According to Trenton Birch, As CEO and co-founder of Cheeba Academy, the program isn't limited to growing techniques.

«Although culture is an important part of this course, the cannabis trade, for example, is the most important module, covering all aspects, from cannabis clubs »from compliance testing to extraction, legality, and the commercialization of supply chain value," he explained to the Daily Maverick.

The curriculum includes modules on

• medical cannabis
• Plant Botany and Cultivation Techniques
• business culture
• The Cannabis Industry and Compliance
• Sustainability and Well-Being
• New Methods of Sustainable Farming

Students will also be trained in permaculture, with Mr. Birch emphasizing that an understanding of soil science is crucial for the sustainable cultivation of cannabis.

«If someone wants to learn how to grow good cannabis, they should also be able to grow tomatoes, which makes them a better cannabis grower because they understand the dynamics of soil and agriculture much more deeply,» he said.

The Challenge of Accessibility and the Concerns of Traditional Farmers

While the academy represents a significant opportunity for job creation—the president Cyril Ramaphosa has projected that the cannabis industry could create 130,000 jobs– The cost of education remains a concern. The annual tuition at 4,000 euros make the academy inaccessible to many prospective students, despite the availability of a limited number of scholarships.

In addition, the traditional and ancestral cannabis growers fear being pushed out by well-funded newcomers. Bonke Mfanekiso, a traditional farmer, expressed concern about the increase in barriers to entry, particularly the high cost of cultivation licenses.

Mr. Birch acknowledged these challenges, emphasizing the need for inclusive policies.

«One of our core values is to ensure that cannabis remains decentralized, so that it doesn’t end up solely in the hands of those with money who are just jumping on the bandwagon,» he noted.

The Future of Cannabis in South Africa

The Cannabis Master Plan, a government strategy for the industry's development, is currently under review by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Competition.

Mr. Birch believes that swift action is needed. «This has taken too long, and it’s really time for the government to get its act together and enact the legislation,» he emphasized (Pongweni, Daily Maverick).

Despite regulatory obstacles and competition from the illicit market, the future of the cannabis in South Africa looks promising. Mr. Birch remains optimistic: «Cannabis is here to stay, and in my opinion, it is one of the most important industries of our time. It has immense potential to improve our health and well-being and to help us make progress toward the United Nations» Sustainable Development Goals.”.

The first cohort of students is scheduled to begin their program in March 2025.