The withdrawal of the recent prohibition on cannabis and hemp foodstuffs, is a pivotal moment for the industry, attorney and chairperson of Openfarms, Shaad Vayej, said on Wednesday.

"This move signals the government's commitment to broad stakeholder consultation—a much-needed shift towards transparent and evidence-based regulation," Vayej told IOL.

"The withdrawal of the prohibition means that CBD and THC-infused foodstuffs are no longer outright banned under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act (Foodstuffs Act)."

He added that, nevertheless, this does not imply a free for all in the market.

"The regulation of these products still falls under existing SAHPRA guidelines and the Medicines and Related Substances Act (Medicines Act), which continue to classify certain cannabis-derived products as scheduled substances."

On Tuesday, the Presidency announced that the Minister of Health will repeal the regulations under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act (Foodstuffs Act) that prohibit the sale, importation, and manufacture of hemp and cannabis-containing products.

This withdrawal of the ban has been a sigh of relief for South Africa's cannabis industry.

Vayej said that while the repeal of the ban was a success for the industry, the Department of Health's concerns about product safety and labelling remained genuine.

He cited the government's possible concerns, including unregulated imports and weak product labelling, which might lead to unintended access to psychoactive chemicals, particularly among minors.

Pro cannabis activist from the Dagga Couple Myrtle Clarke said: "With a huge sigh of relief, sanity prevails! Minister Aaron Motsoaledi to withdraw the ban on cannabis and hemp food products, pending further public and sector input. Let's hope the Department of Health is feeling very embarrassed."

Tony Budden, co-founder of Hemporium SA told Let's Talk Hemp that the local hemp industry expected this outcome.

"The lack of clear regulations and communication from the government can have serious repercussions on investor confidence in this fledgling industry," he said.

"It is now evident that more consultation is required between industry stakeholders and government agencies to create policies and regulations that support industry growth," said Budden.

"These regulations must be based on science and best practices, as the industry itself recognises the importance of good regulatory frameworks."

IOL

thc

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