Who should attend The Cannabis Expo Johannesburg 2026?
Africa’s largest cannabis convention returns to Johannesburg at a pivotal moment for the continent’s emerging cannabis industry. Just months after the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act regulations take effect, The Cannabis Expo 2026 brings together cultivators, manufacturers, regulators, and investors to navigate South Africa’s groundbreaking transition from prohibition to legalization.
The 2026 edition introduces The Vape Expo as a co-located event and debuts Mixology Fest, reflecting the industry’s diversification beyond traditional flower products. The International Cannabis Symposium brings global regulatory experts to share insights on compliance frameworks and international trade opportunities.
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The South African cannabis market is projected to reach R28 billion once fully legalized, with the hemp and cannabis sector having the potential to create more than 130,000 new jobs.— National Cannabis Master Plan & President Ramaphosa SONA, 2025
Whether you’re seeking SAHPRA licensing partners, evaluating EU-GMP certification pathways, or exploring the African cannabis opportunity, The Cannabis Expo Johannesburg brings together the decision-makers shaping the future of cannabis operations across the continent.
Cannabis Expo Johannesburg 2026 at a Glance 🇿🇦
Dates
May 29-31, 2026
Location
Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa
Expected Attendance
10,000+ attendees from 20+ countries
Exhibitors
100+ companies
Hours
10:00 – 18:00 daily
Official Website
thecannabisexpo.co.za
Confirmed
Last verified: January 4, 2026
Johannesburg
26.20°S 28.04°E
Who Should Attend The Cannabis Expo Johannesburg
The Cannabis Expo Johannesburg serves as the gateway to Africa’s emerging cannabis market, attracting a diverse cross-section of industry professionals navigating the continent’s evolving regulatory landscape.
Commercial cultivators seeking GMP-compliant growing systems and genetics partners
Medical cannabis manufacturers navigating SAHPRA Section 22C licensing
Compliance professionals and SAHPRA licensing specialists
Investors exploring the R28 billion African cannabis opportunity
Seed-to-sale tracking and GMP compliance software providers
Regulators and policymakers from SAHPRA, DALRRD, and DTIC
Why The Cannabis Expo Johannesburg Matters in 2026
Regulatory Clarity Arrives: The March 2026 implementation deadline for Cannabis for Private Purposes Act regulations means attendees will see the first operational framework for personal cannabis in Africa. The Hemp and Cannabis Commercialisation Policy is expected to be presented to Cabinet by April 2026.
Expanded Event Format: The 2026 edition introduces The Vape Expo as a co-located event and debuts Mixology Fest, reflecting the industry’s diversification. The International Cannabis Symposium brings global regulatory experts for discussions on compliance frameworks.
Market-Ready Infrastructure: With 93 licensed establishments and 120 export licenses now issued, South Africa’s medicinal cannabis sector has proven operational capacity. Attendees make decisions about SAHPRA licensing partners, EU-GMP certification pathways, and export market access.
We want South Africa to lead in the commercial production of hemp and cannabis. The hemp and cannabis sector has the potential to create more than 130,000 new jobs.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, 2025 State of the Nation AddressPlanning Your Cannabis Expo Johannesburg Trip
Whether you’re attending for the first time or returning to expand your network, these practical tips will help you maximize your conference experience.
🏨 Accommodation
- Sandton is Johannesburg’s premier business district with abundant hotel options within walking distance
- Properties along Maude Street and West Street offer the shortest walk to the venue
- Book 4-6 weeks ahead as May coincides with pleasant autumn weather
- Nelson Mandela Square and Sandton City offer dining and entertainment nearby
📆 Schedule
- Friday: International Cannabis Symposium and VIP networking events
- Saturday: Peak attendance for Cheeba Cannabis and Hemp Summit
- Sunday: Expo floor access and Freedom Festival outdoor concert
- Daily hours: 10:00 – 18:00
✈️ Getting There
- O.R. Tambo International Airport serves all international flights
- Gautrain rapid rail connects airport to Sandton Station in ~15 minutes
- Uber and Bolt operate reliably throughout Gauteng province
- Venue: 161 Maude Street, Sandton, adjacent to Gautrain station
🎪 Exhibiting
- Contact Sarah@TheCannabisExpo.co.za or +27 79 557 1555
- Prepare SAHPRA licenses and GMP certifications for credibility
- Bring multilingual materials if targeting export partnerships
- Schedule VIP Delegate Lounge meeting room time in advance
South Africa Cannabis Regulatory Context
Key Regulatory Topics at The Cannabis Expo Johannesburg
- Cannabis for Private Purposes Act (2024): Signed by President Ramaphosa on May 28, 2024 – makes South Africa the first African nation to formally legalize recreational cannabis. Full regulations expected March 2026.
- SAHPRA Section 22C Licensing: Medical cannabis cultivation and manufacturing requires EU-GMP compliant facilities. Only 5 positive recommendations from ~100 applications. Facility investment ranges R25-280 million.
- Hemp Permits (DALRRD): Over 1,000 permits issued for cultivation under 50 hectares with THC below 0.2%. Hemp Certification Scheme approved May 2024 standardizes seed certification.
- Export Requirements: Section 22A permits authorize import/export. EU-GMP certification opens European medical markets. Australian TGA recognizes South African GMP standards.
South Africa’s cannabis regulatory framework operates across SAHPRA (medical), DALRRD (hemp), and DTIC (commercial policy). Operators commonly underestimate Section 22C approval timelines of 12-24 months and the distinction between hemp permits and medicinal cannabis licenses.
Related: SAHPRA Cannabis Licensing Guide for South Africa🇿🇦 Understanding South Africa’s Dagga Legalization
South Africa’s journey from the 2018 Constitutional Court “dagga ruling” to full legalization represents Africa’s most significant cannabis reform. Understanding this framework is essential for international operators considering the South African market.
Key Facts for Cannabis Expo Attendees
- 1. First African Nation: On May 28, 2024, President Ramaphosa signed the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act, making South Africa the first African country to formally legalize recreational cannabis use.
- 2. R28 Billion Market Potential: The National Cannabis Master Plan projects this market value once full commercialization is achieved, with 130,000+ job creation potential.
- 3. Dual Regulatory Pathways: Medical cannabis operates under SAHPRA Section 22C licensing (5 approvals from ~100 applications), while hemp falls under DALRRD permits (1,000+ issued).
- 4. EU-GMP Required: Medicinal cannabis cultivation requires EU-GMP compliant facilities with investment ranging R25-280 million. Section 22C approvals take 12-24 months.
- 5. Export-Ready Infrastructure: 93 licensed establishments and 120 export licenses position South Africa as Africa’s cannabis export hub to European medical markets.
- 6. Commercialization Timeline: Hemp and Cannabis Commercialisation Policy expected to Cabinet by April 2026; Overarching Cannabis Bill targeting Parliament by mid-2027.
Did You Know?
The Constitutional Court’s 2018 “dagga ruling” in Minister of Justice v Prince was brought by Rastafarian advocate Garreth Prince, who argued cannabis prohibition violated his religious freedom. The court decriminalized private use and gave Parliament 24 months to fix the law – which stretched to 6 years before the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act was finally signed.
What This Means for Attendees
The Cannabis Expo Johannesburg 2026 occurs just two months after March 2026 regulations take effect. First-movers establishing SAHPRA relationships, securing EU-GMP partnerships, and building compliant infrastructure will capture significant market share as Africa’s largest economy opens its cannabis sector.
Note: Laws and enforcement can change. This information is for educational purposes only. Consult qualified legal counsel for regulatory guidance.
Operational Challenges Facing South African Cannabis Operators
Cannabis businesses expanding into the South African market encounter operational complexities that require significant planning and specialized expertise. Conference attendees frequently discuss these common challenges:
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SAHPRA Section 22C Approval Complexity
Navigating the stringent licensing requirements with only 5 positive recommendations from approximately 100 applications. EU-GMP compliant facilities must be operational before submission.
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Multi-Agency Coordination
Managing compliance across SAHPRA (medical), DALRRD (hemp), and DTIC (commercial policy) with overlapping jurisdictions and evolving regulatory frameworks.
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EU-GMP Certification Investment
Building facilities meeting European Good Manufacturing Practice standards with investment requirements ranging R25-280 million depending on scale and scope.
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Export Documentation and INCB Quotas
Maintaining comprehensive seed-to-sale documentation for Section 22A export permits while complying with International Narcotics Control Board quota requirements.
What to Prepare Before The Cannabis Expo Johannesburg
Maximize your conference ROI by arriving prepared. Use this checklist to ensure you’re ready to make the most of every networking opportunity and business meeting.
Documents to Bring
- SAHPRA Section 22C license or application status documentation
- EU-GMP or South African GMP certifications
- CIPC company registration (SA entities) or foreign company credentials
- Section 22A export permit documentation (if applicable)
- DALRRD hemp cultivation permits
- Certificate of Analysis templates and product documentation
Questions to Research
- Does your tracking system integrate with SAHPRA reporting requirements?
- Can your facility design meet EU-GMP standards for export market access?
- What is your experience with South African INCB quota compliance?
- How does your system handle batch-level traceability for COA documentation?
- What are PIC/S certification pathways for your operation type?
- Which security systems meet SAHPRA facility inspection standards?
What to Compare
- Seed-to-sale platforms: Evaluate SAHPRA compliance capabilities
- GMP Compliance Software: Document management meeting PIC/S requirements
- Cultivation Equipment: Inert growing medium systems (soil prohibited for medical)
- Security Systems: SAHPRA-compliant facility security solutions
- Genetics Partners: EU-GMP certified cultivar suppliers
- Export Logistics: Partners with Section 22A documentation expertise
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from cannabis professionals planning to attend The Cannabis Expo Johannesburg 2026.
Is The Cannabis Expo open to the public or B2B only?
The Cannabis Expo welcomes both trade professionals and the general public. General admission starts at R150 (pre-sale) or R200 at door for single-day access. VIP Delegate passes (R990 pre-sale) provide three-day access plus exclusive networking lounges and happy hours for business development.
What co-located events are included with admission?
General admission includes access to The Cannabis Expo exhibition hall, The Vape Expo (new for 2026), Mixology Fest, and the Cannabis Food Market. The Freedom Festival outdoor concert is accessible to all. Cheeba Summit and International Cannabis Symposium may require separate registration or VIP credentials.
Can international attendees participate?
Yes, the event welcomes international visitors. South Africa does not require visas for citizens of many countries for stays under 90 days. The expo attracts speakers and exhibitors from over 20 countries, positioning itself as “the global marketplace for the cannabis industry.”
Is cannabis consumption allowed on-site?
No. The Cannabis for Private Purposes Act prohibits public consumption. Smoking or consuming cannabis in public spaces remains illegal. The event operates under strict age restrictions (no under-18s permitted) but attendees should not expect on-site consumption areas.
What are the ticket prices and registration deadlines?
Early bird (until end January): General R100, VIP R660. Pre-sale (Feb-May): General R150, VIP R990. Door prices: General R200, VIP R1,500. Purchase through Howler at thecannabisexpo.howler.co.za.
What other cities host The Cannabis Expo?
The Cannabis Expo operates in multiple South African cities including Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria. For 2026, only the Johannesburg May 29-31 dates are confirmed. Watch thecannabisexpo.co.za for announcements regarding other city editions.
Software Solutions for South African Cannabis Compliance
Cannabis operations expanding into the South African market increasingly rely on seed-to-sale platforms capable of generating SAHPRA-compliant documentation and maintaining EU-GMP audit-ready records. These systems help operators navigate the complex multi-agency compliance environment across cultivation, processing, and export activities.
Attendees at The Cannabis Expo Johannesburg often evaluate technology solutions that can adapt to South Africa’s evolving regulatory requirements while maintaining consistent batch-level traceability for Certificate of Analysis documentation and INCB quota compliance.
Ready to Simplify Your Cannabis Compliance?
See how cannabis facilities serving African and international markets use GrowerIQ to manage seed-to-sale traceability, EU-GMP documentation, and regulatory reporting.
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About GrowerIQ
GrowerIQ is a complete cannabis production management platform. Ours is the first platform to integrate your facility systems, including sensors, building controls, QMS, and ERP, into a single simplified interface.
GrowerIQ is changing the way producers use software - transforming a regulatory requirement into a robust platform to learn, analyze, and improve performance.
To find out more about GrowerIQ and how we can help, fill out the form to the right, start a chat, or contact us.
GrowerIQ is changing the way producers use software - transforming a regulatory requirement into a robust platform to learn, analyze, and improve performance.
To find out more about GrowerIQ and how we can help, fill out the form to the right, start a chat, or contact us.