MAIN OBJECTIVES AND PUBLIC BENEFIT PURPOSES

To promote a lawful, ethical, and structured cannabis retail industry in South Africa, including for products intended for human and animal consumption, through the establishment of a recreational compliance funnel and supportive industry infrastructure.

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, shall pursue the following public benefit purposes:

To design and maintain a legal and regulatory readiness pathway for ethical, safe, and audit-ready cannabis retail in anticipation of future recreational legalisation.

To support the development of responsible cannabis retail access systems, including for:-

- Adults seeking non-medical wellness and lifestyle products;

- Animal wellness applications guided by veterinary principles;

- Retail operations integrated with harm reduction principles.

To issue voluntary compliance seals, certifications, and audit frameworks for retailers, producers, packaging providers, and dispensary networks that meet the Association’s quality and ethical standards.

Note: Certification issued by the Association is a voluntary self-regulatory measure and does not confer legal authority to operate retail cannabis outlets under current South African law.

To develop industry guidelines for product labelling, packaging, dosage, handling, and marketing, especially as they relate to vulnerable populations and animal health.

To advocate for law reform, represent industry interests, and engage constructively with government, regulators, and civil society through public consultations and position papers.

To collaborate with international trade associations, research bodies, veterinary councils, and public interest groups, including entering into formal memoranda of understanding or joint initiatives.

To support education, training, and awareness campaigns promoting responsible adult-use cannabis access and safe animal product use, in alignment with global best practices.

To promote the standardisation of retail and product safety practices across the cannabis supply chain, including guidelines for product safety testing and responsible marketing.

To assist its members in becoming regulatory compliant and economically sustainable, especially in townships, rural areas, and emerging markets.

To pursue international trade readiness, including export facilitation, packaging and labelling standards, and cross-border legal harmonisation for South African cannabis retail brands.