International
South Africa: Government temporarily lifts ban on hemp and cannabis-based foods
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The South African government has announced the lifting of the ban on hemp and cannabis-based foods, following strong opposition from the industry and the general public. The announcement was made today by the South African Presidency, following a meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, the report says. News24. The ban will be temporarily lifted to allow for greater and better consultation with the sectors involved.
“Ramaphosa has affirmed his support for further stakeholder consultation and public participation in the formulation of new regulations that will limit the health risks and negative impact of foods containing cannabis and hemp, especially on minors,” Vincent Magwenya, Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, was quoted by News24 as saying.
The initial measure, which provided for the restriction of the sale and marketing of food products containing hemp and cannabis derivatives, was widely criticized by business people and sector experts. According to Motsoaledi, the government's aim is now to ensure that regulation is balanced and based on scientific and economic evidence.
Public consultation and economic impact
The Home Affairs Ministry acknowledged that the previous decision could negatively impact the growth of South Africa’s hemp and cannabis industry, an emerging sector with great economic potential. Lifting the ban will allow the government to receive further input from the private sector and civil society before making a final decision.
Experts and industry representatives say the abrupt ban could result in significant financial losses and harm small producers and entrepreneurs. They also argue that hemp-based products are used globally and have low THC content, so they pose no risk of abuse.
The future of regulation
South Africa has made progress in regulating hemp and cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes. However, there are still regulatory challenges that need to be overcome to ensure a safe and functioning market. With the ban lifted, the government is expected to establish clear guidelines, based on reliable analysis, for the food sector.
Authorities will continue to review international best practices and engage experts before defining a final position. The aim, according to the government, is to strike a balance between public safety, economic development and innovation in hemp and cannabis.
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[Disclaimer: Please note that this text was originally written in Portuguese and is translated into English and other languages using an automatic translator. Some words may differ from the original and typos or errors may occur in other languages.]____________________________________________________________________________________________________
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With a degree in Journalism from the University of Coimbra, Laura Ramos has a postgraduate degree in Photography and has been a Journalist since 1998. Winner of the Business of Cannabis Awards in the category "Journalist of the Year 2024", Laura was a correspondent for Jornal de Notícias in Rome, Italy, and Press Officer in the Office of the Minister of Education of the 21st Portuguese Government. She has an international certification in Permaculture (PDC) and created the street-art photography archive “Say What? Lisbon” @saywhatlisbon. Co-founder and Editor of CannaReporter® and coordinator of PTMC - Portugal Medical Cannabis, Laura directed the documentary “Pacientes” and was part of the steering group of the first Postgraduate Course in GxP's for Medicinal Cannabis in Portugal, in partnership with the Military Laboratory and the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Lisbon.
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