Cannabis Oil in South Africa goes by many names and comes in even more forms. Which makes it difficult for both well seasoned stoners and virgin medicinal Cannabis Oil users to figure out the good, the bad and the ugly options out there. So let’s take a look at what you need to know about buying Cannabis Oil in South Africa.

Also known as hemp oil, RSO (Rick Simpson Oil),  BHO (Butane Hash Oil), Dabs, Rosin, FECO (Full Extract Cannabis Oil) and whatever other clever version someone else creates next week. The latest trend in both recreational and medical Cannabis Oil products comes down to one thing. They will all be some form of concentrated Cannabis extract that is far more potent than the regular bankie of weed or block of hash. Although there is one thing that we please first need to clear the air on. Hemp oil available at your local health store or pharmacy is NOT the same Cannabis Oil that we will be discussing in this article. The health store stuff is usually made from hemp seeds and tends not to contain many of the Cannabis plants desired THC or CBD properties that are required in a medicinal or recreational application.

Having personally trawled through everything from low grade goo with more fizz than bang to waxy vegan concoctions that can be a reality shifting experience, I hope that I am able to take some of the mystery out of what is a new green frontier.

Is there legal Cannabis Oil in South Africa?

You can freely purchase hemp and low dose CBD products in South Africa. And it is legal to produce and consume your you own THC containing cannabis products. But the trade of products containing THC remains strictly illegal. So you cannot legally buy cannabis oil with THC in it. This hasn’t stopped hundreds of sellers online.

What is Cannabis Oil?

It is a very potent high end hash usually found in a sticky and thick oil like form. The process of applying a high proof alcohol or solvent to raw cannabis buds (the stuff you would usually smoke) is used to extract the essential elements from the plant matter, thereby isolating the plant’s oomph into a concentrated form. This liquid is then further processed into varying viscosities. From black oily liquids and crumbly waxes, to glass like shatters and golden sticky honey.

Even in this currently niche market, unique varieties of Cannabis Concentrates continue to emerge. Rosin, tinctures, bubble hash and dry sift products appeal to weeditarian purists seeking a more natural, solventless karma to their cannabis concentrates. This kind of product traditionally moves within small circles though and can command top dollar if it finds its way out of them.

How is Cannabis Oil made?

Cannabis Oil has been around for decades if not centuries in many various forms. But has been mostly avoided due to the often unrefined extraction process and no practical way to use the stuff. The possibility of going up in a ball of flames while making it or facing hefty jail time were also not appealing to manufacturers. This therefore deterred most people from even attempting to make it.

Things have since rapidly changed though with a flourish of DIY science wizardry and legitimate scientific technology now making Cannabis Oil recreationally trendy and far more practical to consume. With recent advancements appealing to both health conscious consumers and Cannabis Concentrate connoisseurs. Chief among these advancements has been the boom in cold extraction methods such as simply using lighter gas (Butane) and a glass or stainless steel herbal extraction tube to easily make Butane Hash Oil (BHO).

The extraction tube is packed with ground herb and sealed with a coffee filter, which can then easily filled with lighter gas while the golden concentrate drips out the filtered mouth of the tube. A few more hours off TLC is then gently applied to deliver best results. This is one of the most popular techniques used in South Africa due to the low cost to produce, consistent quality and potent results. You can read our Beginners Guide for Making BHO here.

THC vs CBD?

The two key elements desired by Cannabis consumers and professional cannabis producers are the plants Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). Strains high in CBD and low in THC are often favoured by medical users who seek to avoid the stoned feeling associated with high THC strains. While those seeking to treat pain or use cannabis oil recreationally favour THC heavy strains.

The tricky bit is figuring out what you need, how much you need and how often. There is no doubting that a well made product will be effective to an extent. But will it be sustainably effective for treating that very specific ailment that you probably have in mind when you started reading this article?

With a black market that has been solely THC orientated and driven for decades, there is a clear absence of high CBD strains. Leading to little or practically no high CBD cannabis being available in South Africa. This however is gradually changing due to the demand from medicinal users who are specifically seeking certain products. But this is a reactive change that will take years to permeate through what remains for now a mostly take it or leave it market.

Does Cannabis Oil cure cancer?

Cancer is a double edged sword. Not only is it the illness itself that victims have to live with, but also the effects of many medicines used to treat cit. The option of chemotherapy can be a grim challenge, if even an option for those with late stage cancers or only a very finite amount of life left to live. There is mountains of anecdotal evidence from cancer survivors claiming Cannabis Oil cured their cancer or at the very least improved their quality of life. This is impossible to ignore.

Studies into Cannabis’ potential cancer fighting properties, although limited to petri dishes and animal testing, have found promising results with tumor reduction in various types of cancers. Not forgetting Cannabis’ already proven abilities to reduce nausea, increase appetite and decrease anxiety. The sweet and short of it is that there is no official answer on whether Cannabis cures cancer. Whether it works will be a culmination of your expectations, lifestyle changes, quality of the product, personal research and the cards you’ve been dealt.

Cannabis Oil is by no means a silver bullet cure for all ailments. Although it undoubtedly has a multitude of health applications across the board, identifying and applying the unique essential elements is new frontier that’s only beginning to come to grips with itself. So be realistic in your expectations. As it stands in SA, you need to keep in mind that results may vary greatly.

Does Cannabis Oil get you stoned?

That depends on what it is you’re looking for. If it’s to get stoned, yes it is certainly on the getting grilled menu and is the most potent form of Cannabis you’ll find. If it’s for medicinal application, that again depends. Cannabis Oil can be taken as a suppository, placed under the tongue, swallowed in a pill, eaten in a medible (medicinal edible) or infused in a number lotions and potions ranging from popular coconut oil blends to alcohol or glycerine based extractions. All of which may have degrees of no to very high potential. First speak to your dealer about their product options and what to expect. And then there’s also Dabbing, but we’ll get to that shortly.

Be cautious of snake oil salesman?

Cannabis Oil operates in the very wide margins of prohibition, leaving room for plenty of mavericks who will gladly profit from your misery. Until cannabis is legalised or regulated you will be rolling the dice on every batch of Cannabis Oil purchased.

It requires a degree of faith or desperation to turn to a long scorned plant for those solutions unattainable through conventional pharmaceuticals. The rest of us plebs are therefore left in the maze of finding someone who can get some mystery oil into our hands. No matter anyone tells you, you will have zero idea of what exactly it is that you’re holding. Neither will your supplier, because they at best have only a vague idea themselves of how strong, effective or safe the final product is. A small niche of local suppliers are however beginning to have their products laboratory tested for THC, CBD, pesticides and fungicides. This is very encouraging.

Yes, yes, but where can I buy Cannabis Oil in South Africa?

It’s not all barren prospects. There are cannabis oil suppliers in South Africa who are dead serious about their product. They the best possible plant matter out there. Wwith the best possible apparatus and chronic due diligence. But also aim for the right CBD and THC balance desired by their clientele. Suppliers such as these are few and far between though.

Desperation may cause you to settle for taking any cannabis oil. But if you can, please take the time to look for a reputable supplier. One that has insight and experience with the effects and dosage of their products. Purchasing Cannabis Oil can be a very intimidating experience. This is due the taboo and illegality of cannabis. Not forgetting that you will be using a very strong product which could cause an intense high. Regular, reliable and reputable suppliers are essential to medicinal and recreational users alike. It will be up to you to separate the beginners from the pros by first doing your homework and discreetly asking around.

How much does cannabis oil cost in South Africa

From completely free up to R1000 or more per gram. Donation only suppliers often don’t receive a cent from customers. As they use the few donations they get to subsidise those who can’t afford the pricey products. There’s still no such thing a free lunch though. So don’t get high hopes about getting some quality concentrates for nothing.

It is often around R250 to R500 a gram for raw cannabis oil. Typically an entry level dark oil or toffee like concentrate. The sky is the limit on the high quality and even higher prices on offer from danker dealers.

What’s this “Dabbing” thing I keep hearing about?

Dabbing is applying a small dab (get it?) of Cannabis Concentrate on a hot surface. You then inhale the resulting vapor. Preferably done with a dab rig or portable vaporiser.

So while it’s all good and well how the media focus on medicinal Cannabis Oil in South Africa. There are enthusiasts using combining science and art to make the cleanest, purest and tastiest products possible. Where the strongest herb can’t compete with potency and refinement of these new concentrates. We can blame and thank the USA for the success of dabbing..

A little goes a long way and you would only need to use very small amounts at a time. For those wishing to vaporize their oils and concentrates, invest in a good quality oil/concentrate specific vaporizer or dab rig. Much fong-kong smokewear has crossed our paths. This leaves behind a trail of tears and disappointment when the oil is enthusiastically wasted on dud products. Do yourself a favour and invest in the right gear from the start. This ensures the maximum pleasure from the hefty prices you’re likely to pay for Cannabis Concentrates.

Learn how to dab

Is Cannabis Oil the crack of weed?

No. It is to Cannabis what port is to wine. More potent but of the same essential ingredients that are preferred mutually or exclusively. It will not make you lose your marbles or develop a debilitating addiction. Nor will it rape your brain or send you on a violent rampage ending with your suicide. Although it will definitely disagree with you if you already a have predilection against weed. 

Jumping in with both feet will get you properly fucking grilled and at worst leave you with a bad case of the greenies. Yet it is in no way some equivalent to crack or heroin. The usual terms and conditions of responsible use definitely apply, as with any intoxicant. Please use it responsibly.

Should you wish to get a hold of some cannabis oil, please do not contact us in this regard! We support an environment in South Africa that will cater for a legal supply and demand for cannabis products. Until then we cannot assume the responsibility of putting unknown suppliers into contact with unknown clients. This is first and foremost for your safety.