CannaClub is the new joint for Plett Ragers

Members can ‘withdraw’ an array of outdoor bud strains, rolled joints or hash from the stokvel and shop for bongs and rainbow cookies

Easing into the vibe of December, ex-matrics at Plett Rage are winding down and chilling out at the Cannaclub and Growing Co-op, a cannabis stokvel enabling members to partake in some of SA’S best organic, outdoor bud.

Located on the outskirts of Plettenberg Bay, the club was established in 2018 and legally operates as a private social club for members after section 14 of SA’S constitution encompassed the right of consenting adults to cultivate, use and possess cannabis.

The club does not sell weed nor allow any under 18s, according to public relations manager Bertie van Jaarsveldt.

“The first thing that needs to be done if you visit the club is to sign up as a member, this is essentially an agreement between you and the club where you give us the permission to cultivate on your behalf and that gets contributed towards a collective stokvel,” Van Jaarsveldt said.

“When you come to the club you can withdraw from the stokvel by reimbursing us with a plant management fund.

“We do everything as transparently as possible.”

Overlooking the Bitou River, the farm-style clubhouse is surrounded by dozens of small cannabis plants.

A rustic wooden bar with stone architecture welcomes members, who can “withdraw” from the stokvel an array of outdoor bud strains, rolled joints, hash, dab or shop for bongs, lighters and rainbow cookies.

The Dispatch was taken on a tour of the facilities and growing process, where more than 300 female plants from multiple strains are being nurtured with the utmost care right outside the clubhouse.

Lined up in rows, the small trees, about 30cm tall, are treated only with organic fertiliser, microbe-dense forest soil and cannabis-fed red wriggler worms to create nutrient-rich plant food.

“You gotta put the stink in to get the stink out,” said brand ambassador Herries van der Watt, 27, from Plettenberg Bay.

“We have 45 different strains including Guy’s Dream, Elvis, Super Cheese, Franco’s Lemon, Nova Naartjie and a new strain called Umlungu Mystery, which a South African breeder came up with it.

“South African strains are starting to dominate the scene, which is nice.”

Van der Watt said outdoor harvesting and planting were co-ordinated around the cycle of the full moon.

“What we are looking for is the first full moon of December, and 10 days beforehand we plant the crop out.

“The moon gives them extra light, which is what they are used to in the grow room.

“Because the full moon also draws humidity to the top layer of your pot, it’s easier for plants that don’t have a massive root system to take.”

The entire journey from seed to bud takes between eight and 10 months and involves many delicate steps, including cutting, curing, drying and packaging.

Van der Watt said the club partnered with other local businesses like Black Joint, to empower entrepreneurship for the community.

The cutting and packaging are done by the Scissor Sisters, four women who prepare the plants for customers before it’s popped onto the shelf.

The Dispatch spoke to a 20year-old Plett Rager from the Free State, who wished to remain anonymous, who said he had heard about the club from other partygoers.

“It’s a chilled vibe here, I heard about it, came to look. The Free State doesn’t have things like this so it’s quite nice.

“Everybody is friendly, there’s no rush and you can decide what you want.”

A group of youngsters straight from the Bikini Beach party were excited to try some locally grown bud.

Ethan James, 23, from Cape Town said: “It’s a nice place with a chilled vibe and a lekker view.

“We have been here for three days and will definitely be coming back.”

The first thing that needs to be done if you visit the club is to sign up as a member, this is essentially an agreement between you and the club where you give us the permission to cultivate on your behalf