Trouble Outside

This is part of a choose-your-own-adventure style game about the cannabis scene in South Africa. Click here to go to the start (#page1).

Eyeing the dispensaries in Durban, the shelves glow with jars of Umhlanga Haze, a strain with a tropical, mango-like scent.

A car idles outside—unmarked, but the tinted windows and stiff posture of the driver scream “cop.” Pulse picks up, thumping in your chest.

Is this a raid? The Durban Cannabis Collective (DCC), which runs the spot, operates in a legal grey area—private use is fine, but sales aren’t.

“Don’t worry, they’re just watching,” a staff member whispers, unfazed. They’ve dealt with this before, thanks to tips from the South African Cannabis Watchdog (SACW), a new group monitoring police activity.

Still, the air feels thick with risk—last month, SAPS raided three dispensaries in KZN, seizing R2 million in cannabis, according to the KZN Cannabis Safety Report (KZNSR).

Fun fact: Undercover cops often stake out dispensaries SAPS reported 200 surveillance ops in 2024, targeting illegal sales, as noted by the South African Law Enforcement Trends!

Time to decide quick.

Bolt now – Get out before it’s hot.

Grab and go – Buy fast and slip away.

Warn the crew – Tip off the staff.