It is with pride that Afriplex announces its membership to the Cannabis Research Institute of South Africa (CRI).
This membership developed throughout the establishment of the CRI, with a milestone of Afriplex’s dedicated Cannabis Laboratory being nominated as laboratory of choice by the Institute. We are privileged to be associated with an organisation established on such novel grounds to ethically support the development of the cannabis industry within South Africa and the continent. As noted by Robert Longrigg, Responsible Pharmacist of Afriplex: “ We are honoured to have our cannabis laboratory selected as the nominated accredited laboratory for the CRI. This will bring value to the members of the Institute but also the industry in general”.
The CRI is partnered with South African and international research organisations. The Institute works with universities, high-tech innovative companies and other corporations to provide research-based proven approaches to cannabis and cannabinoid therapy management. Researchers associated with the CRI are primarily focussing on cannabinoids and new drug delivery systems to identify novel medical applications. In addition to pain management and other widely acknowledged uses of cannabis, investigations to into many more specific applications for cannabis like inflammation, substance abuse, mental disorders and autoimmune diseases are also being explored, so it may soon be considered a welcome addition to standard autoimmune therapies, amongst others.
The CRI is partnered with South African and international research organisations. The Institute works with universities, high-tech innovative companies and other corporations to provide research-based proven approaches to cannabis and cannabinoid therapy management. Researchers associated with the CRI are primarily focussing on cannabinoids and new drug delivery systems to identify novel medical applications. In addition to pain management and other widely acknowledged uses of cannabis, investigations to many more specific applications for cannabis like inflammation, substance abuse, mental disorders and autoimmune diseases are also being explored.
Danie Nel, Managing Director of Afriplex and member of the Institute Advisory Panel says: “The combined services and capabilities of the CRI sets the industry standards for the Southern African cannabis industry for the application of best practice and good governance. The CRI partners with local and international stakeholders to develop and help implement policies pertaining to Good Agricultural and Cultivation Practice (GACP), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Good Clinical Practice (GCP).”
“Afriplex is not only proud to be a member of the CRI but also contribute to this fast-paced industry”, says Wayne Robinson, Afriplex business Development Director. “We have been cultivating and extracting botanical plants and extracts for the last 17 years. This unique skill set and the regulatory knowledge within the Afriplex team clearly sets the business as the market leader within this advancing pharmaceutical sector”, he notes.
Afriplex is uniquely positioned to understand the Cannabis market from cultivations to extraction and through to R&D of final products. Coupled with the Afriplex’s knowledge of the regulatory environment and QC Analytical Testing will add further value to the CRI.
The CRI will be focused on strong research programs with private and government institutions. Afriplex will also be able to draw on the practical hands-on exposure and management of these large projects to assist the CRI. These specialized programs will enhance the product developed in South Africa for the African and international markets.
The Cannabis Sector is an exciting market for the future, but only with a clear focus on quality and safety will South Africa be seen as a serious player. With this in mind, the CRI and Afriplex look forward to building on the strengths and skills we can gather from the private and public sectors.