The South African government's recent decision to ban all cannabis and hemp-based food products has ignited debate among industry experts and cannabis advocates.
The Department of Health gazetted the ban on March 7, prohibiting the import, manufacture, and sale of food products containing cannabis or its derivatives. The decision, implemented under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act, extends to components of the Cannabis sativa plant, including hemp seed oil, hemp flour, and cannabis-infused beverages.
Authorities justify the move by citing public safety concerns, particularly the risk of unregulated edible cannabis products reaching vulnerable consumers, such as minors. Additionally, the lack of a national regulatory framework for the safe production and testing of these products has led to their outright prohibition.
However, critics argue that the ban stifles the economic potential of the cannabis industry. They point to the contradiction between this policy and the recently passed Cannabis for Private Purposes Bill, which permits individuals to cultivate cannabis for personal use. The conflicting policies have raised questions about the government’s commitment to broader cannabis legalisation.
Retailers are now required to remove all cannabis-derived food products, including hemp seeds, oil, and protein powders, from their shelves. Meanwhile, the pharmaceutical sector remains a key area of focus, as cannabis-based treatments are increasingly prescribed for severe medical conditions such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and arthritis. Medical cannabis remains available through authorised healthcare practitioners and registered pharmacists.
Speculation has also arisen regarding potential lobbying influences from the pharmaceutical and alcohol industries, both of which stand to lose market share to cannabis-related products.
With the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act yet to take full effect pending the establishment of a regulatory framework, the broader impact of the ban remains uncertain. As South Africa navigates its approach to cannabis policy, questions persist about the balance between public safety, economic growth, and the future of legal cannabis regulation.