Cape Town is set to host Africa’s first cannabis museum, with the African Cannabis Museum currently in development.

According to reports, the museum is expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2026.

The project is being led by the TAC Foundation, a non-profit organisation focused on preserving and presenting the cultural and historical story of cannabis in Africa.

Reclaiming the Cannabis Story

The foundation said the museum aims to give people a broader view of the plant beyond policy and prohibition.

Katrien Oosthuizen said cannabis has deep historical, cultural and economic roots across the continent.

She said the project is about “reclaiming that narrative” and creating a platform that includes heritage, traditional knowledge systems and modern developments.

Not a Smoking Venue

The museum will operate as a cultural and educational space.

Oosthuizen stressed that it will not be a cannabis retail or consumption venue.

No cannabis products will be sold in the museum shop.

This means visitors should not expect a coffee shop-style smoking venue.

Exhibitions and Visitor Experience

Plans for the museum include research-informed exhibitions, curated storytelling and immersive visitor experiences.

The foundation said the content will include indigenous knowledge systems and regional histories linked to cannabis.

The museum will also explore cannabis-related economic sectors, including hemp.

Opening Timeline Still on Track

The TAC Foundation said the project is in an advanced planning and partner engagement phase.

A high-visibility, tourism-aligned location in Cape Town has not yet been finalised.

The museum remains on track for its planned 2026 opening, subject to final site confirmation and ongoing development milestones.