Department of Health Enforces Ban on Cannabis-Infused Edibles and Hemp-Based Food Items
Goodbye to Edibles: In a move that has sent shockwaves through South Africa’s burgeoning cannabis industry, the Department of Health has quietly enacted a ban on the production, sale, and importation of all cannabis-infused food products, including hemp seed oil and hemp seed flour. This decision, gazetted on March 7, 2025, under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act of 1972, has left entrepreneurs, consumers, and activists grappling with its implications.
Scope of the Ban
The newly implemented regulations explicitly prohibit any foodstuff containing:
- Any part of the plant or component from the genus Cannabis, which includes C. sativa, C. indica, and C. ruderalis.
- Hemp seed oil or powder derived from any component of the genus Cannabis sativa L. and its various species or sub-species.
This encompasses a wide array of products, from THC-infused edibles to items made with hemp seed oil and flour, which were previously available in the market.
Legal Ramifications
Individuals and businesses found manufacturing, selling, or importing these prohibited foodstuffs now face significant penalties, including hefty fines and potential imprisonment. The enforcement of this ban is immediate and binding under South African law.
Industry and Activist Reactions
The sudden prohibition has drawn sharp criticism from cannabis advocates and industry stakeholders. Myrtle Clarke of Fields of Green for All expressed shock, stating, “We have no idea what precipitated all of this disastrous piece of potential legislation.” She highlighted the contradiction between this ban and the government’s previous stance on promoting the cannabis sector.
Similarly, the Dagga Union labelled the move “a blow to dagga freedoms and the industry,” urging collective action against the ban.
Government’s Position
While the Department of Health has not provided an official statement detailing the reasons behind the ban, experts speculate that concerns over public safety, the lack of a regulatory framework, and potential pressure from major industries may have influenced the decision. This ban appears to contradict recent governmental promises to commercialize and support the cannabis and hemp industry.
Looking Ahead
The abrupt enforcement of these regulations has left the future of South Africa’s cannabis industry uncertain. Entrepreneurs and consumers alike are now awaiting further clarification from authorities, hoping for a balanced approach that considers both public health and the economic potential of the cannabis sector.
Also read: Budget Speech 2025: Alcohol and Cigarette Prices Set to Rise
