By Driekus Oosthuizen
If you often travel between Stellenbosch and Somerset West, chances are you’ve spotted the flagship Nature’s Farmacy branch on the R44. You may have even popped in for a quick look around, but after an enlightening conversation with two of the club’s managers, I’d like to share with you why I believe Nature’s Farmacy Stellenbosch is worth a second visit.
What does Nature’s Farmacy offer?
Part of the One Culture group, Nature’s Farmacy is a cannabis club that has everything from cannabis flower to cannabis training, a restaurant, and growing equipment supplied by their partner company Biltong and Budz.
As a first-time visitor, I was pleasantly surprised by the warm Stellenbosch twist Nature’s Farmacy applied in their approach to the Modern South African cannabis club. Having opened in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown, after moving from the original location in Paarl – this institution has proven that there is a demand for their services, and they are here to stay.
Private Members Lounge
Members of the Nature’s Farmacy cannabis club gain access to a wide range of locally sourced cannabis products, and a safe space to consume them. The bud bar itself is located on the second floor and is extremely well organised. Staff were very knowledgeable about the products and could provide insight and guidance on what to expect from each strain.
As a newly registered member, I found the experience to be somewhat reminiscent of The Bulldog in Amsterdam – a fully stocked counter (unlike the empty shelves I’ve found at many other local so-called cannabis clubs) with good quality bud and a safe, legal environment to partake in cannabis-culture.
The kitchen
The restaurant, along with the rest of the ground floor, is open to the public. Just outside the kitchen is a garden with a variety of fresh-growing vegetables and herbs that are intended for the palates of the Nature’s Farmacy kitchen patrons.
Having a restaurant in the same building as a cannabis club is almost a no-brainer, and Nature’s Farmacy is looking to further explore the union between the two.
Where is the cannabis sourced from?
As a fully social club, the cannabis at Nature’s Farmacy is grown by the members for the members. Growers are vetted and a series of quality and background checks are performed before products can be distributed to other members.
“Incorporating the little guy”, as Paul puts it, is an important part of their club model. Members have access to a wide range of growing products and supporting knowledge, enabling them to contribute to the club in a meaningful capacity.
Aside from the fact that strains are being kept separately, records of the grower responsible for each batch are kept. As a result, members get to know which growers they are supporting and base their choices on experience.
Does Nature’s Farmacy Stellenbosch deliver?
They explained that there are many difficulties surrounding the delivery of cannabis products in South Africa.
As the cannabis is no longer in the possession of either the club or the member when it’s being couriered, they have an on-premises-only policy.
Giving back to the community
On 22 December, Nature’s Farmacy will be doing a charity event where they will provide meals and Christmas gifts for local children from disadvantaged families.
From now until then, they are encouraging locals to donate toys, blankets, etc. that will be handed out to the children.
Nature’s Farmacy in Stellenbosch is changing the way we see cannabis clubs by providing a space that is safe, comfortable, and inviting. They are also educating their members on the benefits of cannabis and its impact on overall health and wellness. For more information and updates, visit the One Culture website.
