Watch the full version of the “Why have cannabis and hemp products been banned?“ article – in a minute.
The Department of Health announced this week a ban on the production, sale, and importation of cannabis and hemp-derived food products. This move threatens to derail South Africa’s emerging cannabis industry and contradicts previous government promises to commercialise the sector.
The decision, published in a recent government gazette, falls under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act of 1972. It explicitly prohibits the sale, import, and manufacture of any food containing ingredients from the Cannabis Sativa L. plant, including hemp, hemp seed oil, and hemp seed flour.
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WHY HAS THE CANNABIS AND HEMP BAN BEEN INTRODUCED?
The amendment to the law was officially updated on 7 March 2025 — signaling a deliberate and current government decision.
The government aims to curb the unregulated production of cannabis edibles, as some illegal manufacturers may use unsafe methods, leading to contaminated or overly potent products reaching minors and uninformed consumers.
GOVERNMENT HAS BANNED EDIBLES AND CANNABIS AND HEMP-DERIVED FOOD PRODUCTS
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