Thousands of Businesses to Benefit from Lifting of Cannabis and Hemp Food Restrictions
Johannesburg – A significant number of businesses that were on the brink of closure due to the prohibition of cannabis and hemp food products have now been granted a reprieve.
In response to widespread public concern, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, that additional consultations will be conducted and the ban on cannabis-based food products enforced by Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi will be lifted.
“During the briefing with the President, Minister of Health Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi voiced his worries regarding the influx of unregulated imported food products containing hemp and cannabis into the South African market,” the Presidency stated.
“President Ramaphosa has reiterated his commitment to enhanced stakeholder engagement and public involvement in developing new regulations that will mitigate health risks and the adverse effects of food products containing cannabis and hemp, especially among minors,” the presidency clarified in a concise statement.
“Following further consultations with stakeholders, the Minister of Health will rescind the Regulations under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act (Foodstuffs Act) that are currently in place to ban the sale, importation, and production of food products containing hemp and cannabis.”
Vincent Magwenya, the President’s spokesperson, stated that the Department of Health will continue extensive consultations before releasing the revised regulations.
This development will be a significant relief for companies involved in the sale, importation, and manufacture of food products containing hemp and cannabis.
Earlier this month, the Democratic Alliance (DA) expressed its opposition to the ban, citing the detrimental implications for public policy and the considerable economic damage this decision could impose on South Africa’s developing hemp and cannabis sectors.
Advocating for the termination of the ban, Michele Clarke MP – DA Spokesperson on Health said on March 18, 2025: “South Africa’s hemp industry is thriving, with over 1,400 licensed cultivation businesses and 400 SMMEs, all creating jobs and contributing to the local economy.
“However, the ban threatens to stifle growth within this sector.
“The DA urges President Cyril Ramaphosa to overturn this harmful regulation that overlooks public consultation and the input from businesses and health professionals.
“Rather than enforce restrictions, the government should champion the hemp industry, which possesses the potential to enhance job creation, improve public health, and foster sustainable economic development.”
The GOOD party also expressed their opposition to the ban.
GOOD Party Secretary-General Brett Herron noted that, despite the Constitutional Court decriminalizing cannabis use in 2018, its sale remains illegal.
Herron emphasized that this contradiction jeopardizes the livelihoods of nearly a million South Africans.