IOL Logo
Sunday, June 8, 2025

Latest News & Developments

cannabis

Haribo recalls 'Happy Cola' sweets in the Netherlands after cannabis contamination

Haribo recalls 'Happy Cola' sweets in the Netherlands after cannabis contamination

News World
AFP|Published

BRICS+ Series: Cannabis in South Africa: Policy Reversals and R28 Billion Economic Opportunity

South Africa's cannabis industry has the potential to generate substantial revenue and jobs, but faces regulatory uncertainty. Despite a 2018 court ruling legalising private use and cultivation, recent policy changes highlight the challenges of balancing economic opportunity with public health concerns. South Africa's experience offers valuable lessons for other countries considering cannabis legalisation.

Business Report BRICS
Banthati Sekwala and Dr Iqbal Survé|Published

Western Cape backs Ramaphosa's cannabis and hemp foodstuffs decision

The Western Cape Government has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa's decision to lift the ban on cannabis and hemp-derived foodstuffs, marking a significant step towards regulatory reform in South Africa's agricultural sector.

Cape Argus News
Robin-Lee Francke|Published

Western Cape Government applauds President Ramaphosa's reversal of cannabis edibles ban

Western Cape Government welcomes the lifting of the cannabis edibles ban, promoting public consultation and economic growth opportunities.

News South Africa Western Cape
Robin-Lee Francke|Published

Cannabis industry in South Africa celebrates the lifting of the ban by the Presidency

The Presidency's repeal of the cannabis ban marks a significant turning point for South Africa's cannabis industry, paving the way for new opportunities and clearer regulations.

News South Africa
Xolile Mtembu|Published

South African government backtracks on banning cannabis edibles

South Africa's government has lifted the ban on cannabis and hemp-derived foodstuffs, opening new avenues for entrepreneurs while ensuring safety regulations are put in place.

Cape Argus News
Xolile Mtembu|Published

Government backs off from banning cannabis edibles

After initial confusion over the government's ban on cannabis and hemp-derived foodstuffs, President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a withdrawal of the ban, offering hope to entrepreneurs and businesses in the sector.

News South Africa
Xolile Mtembu|Published

Cannabis ban | Backlash from industry and activists who warn of job losses

The unexpected ban on cannabis and hemp-derived products by South Africa's health ministry has left the burgeoning cannabis sector in turmoil, raising concerns among businesses and activists about the potential economic fallout and job losses.

News Crime and Courts
Xolile Mtembu|Published

Germany looks to South Africa for cannabis supply: Enua partners with Nexus Pharma

Nexus Pharma's groundbreaking partnership with German cannabis company Enua aims to secure a long-term off-take agreement, strengthening ties with South African growers amid recent regulatory challenges

Business
Mthobisi Nozulela|Published

DA and GOOD Party criticise Health Minister’s cannabis edibles ban, urge President Ramaphosa to intervene

South Africa's R28 billion cannabis industry faces uncertainty as opposition parties challenge Minister Motsoaledi's controversial ban on cannabis-infused foods, warning of devastating economic consequences and job losses.

News Politics
Hope Ntanzi|Published

Opposition voices concern over Health Minister's cannabis foodstuff ban

The recent ban on cannabis-based foodstuffs by Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi faces growing opposition from political parties and industry leaders, while calls mount for President Ramaphosa's intervention. The controversial decision impacts South Africa's emerging hemp and cannabis sector, prompting concerns about economic implications

Business Report
Banele Ginindza|Published

South Africa bans cannabis food products

The South African government has prohibited the sale of cannabis food products, contradicting previous decriminalisation efforts.

Cape Argus News
Xolile Mtembu|Published

Why did South Africa ban cannabis edibles? Understanding the government's contradictory decisions

Activists are left reeling as the South African government abruptly bans cannabis edibles, raising questions about the future of the industry and the government's commitment to cannabis legalisation.

News South Africa
Xolile Mtembu|Published

A Blow to Cannabis Freedom' | Health Department's sudden edibles ban angers activists

In an unexpected move that has shocked South Africa's cannabis industry, the Department of Health has imposed a comprehensive ban on cannabis and hemp-derived food products. The decision has sparked fierce opposition from long-time decriminalisation activists, who view it as a major setback for the industry's growth and economic potential.

News South Africa
Xolile Mtembu|Published

Department of Health bans the making and selling of cannabis edibles in South Africa

South Africa's cannabis industry faces unprecedented challenges as the Department of Health implements a sudden ban on edible products, contradicting government's recent drive towards cannabis commercialization. Industry stakeholders demand answers from Minister Motsoaledi.

News South Africa Mpumalanga
Xolile Mtembu|Published

Durban cannabis operation: woman, 26, nabbed

The Hawks have arrested a seventh suspect in a long-term cannabis investigation in Durban, following a series of successful operations that began in 2021

The Post News
Post Reporter|Published

Businessman arrested for illicitly trading in a cannabis compound giving users ‘highs’

State prosecutor Zukisa Dyas said Rory Goldin and his associates were involved in a coordinated and deliberate scheme designed to illicitly sell and distribute tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products under the guise of being legally permissible cannabidiol (CBD) products.

Daily News News
Nomonde Zondi|Published

R120,000 worth of dagga seized by Hawks in 'sophisticated drug lab' in KwaZulu-Natal

Two suspects were apprehended by the Hawks for allegedly running a clandestine drug lab.

News Crime and Courts
Xolile Mtembu|Published

‘Honouring my dad’s wish’: Rosanna Pansino smokes cannabis grown in his ashes

She shared how he loved music, distilled his own whiskey and gin, and was deeply connected to nature.

Entertainment Celebrity News International
Ronewa Jessica Mashamba|Published

Police bust dagga lab and seize weapons in Potchefstroom raid

He faces charges of unlawful possession of firearms and explosives, as well as cultivating and dealing in dagga.

News Crime and Courts
Thobeka Mthembu|Published

Secrets of the pâtissier’s art

Baker and chef Adam Robinson and photographer Roger Jardine have combined to produce A Book About Pastries, launched at the Glenwood Bakery last week.

iOS Entertainment
Frank Chemaly|Published

Dagga ‘pubs’ spreading in KZN

Confusion around the decriminalisation of dagga has led to some shops openly ‒ but illegally ‒selling it to the public in parts of KwaZulu-Natal. Authorities warn that this is a criminal offence, and offenders could face jail time of between five and 10 years, depending on whether the charge is dealing or possession.

iOS News
Bongani Hans|Published

Durban High Court grants Hawks preservation order of seized shoe-making machine and cash

The search and seizure operation took place on August 7, 2023, which exposed a unique method of smuggling when they pounced on the property on Gillham Avenue, Phoenix.

News Crime and Courts
Wendy Dondolo|Published

PICS: Clever K9 sniffs out R 4. 7 million dagga haul hidden in truck compartment

Mpumalanga police have arrested a 30-year-old man and recovered a massive dagga haul following a bust on the N12 in Delmas.

News Crime and Courts
Se-Anne Rall|Published

Limpopo crime crackdown: Nearly 700 suspects arrested in week-long operation

The compliance checks were conducted at second-hand dealers, liquor outlets and businesses, resulting in the closure of 23 unlicensed liquor establishments.

News Crime and Courts
Thobeka Mthembu|Published