Withdrawal of South Africa’s Cannabis Foods Ban: A Step Towards Safer Regulations

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the withdrawal of a ban on cannabis foods in South Africa that was put in place nearly three weeks ago due to public safety concerns. The move reflects a need for stakeholder consultation in developing new regulations. The hemp industry is positioned to benefit from this decision if the regulatory framework is appropriately established.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the withdrawal of a recently imposed ban on cannabis foods. Nearly three weeks ago, Health Minister Dr. Pakishe Aaron Motsoaledi introduced regulations under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act that prohibited the sale, importation, and manufacture of foodstuffs containing cannabis, including hemp. This move was met with shock within the local industry, jeopardizing current and future developments.

The ban was reportedly prompted by public safety concerns regarding unregulated cannabis edibles, as South Africa lacks a comprehensive framework for regulating the production, testing, and marketing of such products. During a recent briefing, both the President and the Minister of Health expressed concerns about unregulated imports of hemp and cannabis entering the South African market.

Recognizing the broad ban may have been excessive, President Ramaphosa emphasized the necessity of stakeholder consultation in creating new regulations to safeguard consumers, particularly minors. A statement on the Presidential website specified that the Minister of Health would withdraw the regulations under the Foodstuffs Act prohibiting the sale and manufacture of hemp and cannabis foodstuffs.

The Department of Health will continue extensive consultations prior to issuing revised regulations. Had such consultations been conducted initially, the ban might not have been implemented in its entirety. South Africa’s hemp industry remains fortunate to have the President’s support, as he aims for the nation to excel in the commercial production of hemp and cannabis. With ongoing backing, the establishment of appropriate regulations may still be achievable.

It is vital to note that hemp and cannabis are essentially the same, with hemp defined legally as cannabis that contains very low levels of THC; in South Africa, this is set at 0.2%. It is more precise to distinguish between hemp and marijuana rather than classifying them as identical.

In summary, the withdrawal of the ban on cannabis foods by President Ramaphosa reflects a commitment to stakeholder engagement and regulatory improvement. The South African hemp industry stands to benefit from this decision, contingent on continued support and the formulation of effective regulations. The distinction between hemp and marijuana is crucial for clear legal definitions moving forward, ensuring the safety and development of the industry.

Original Source: hempgazette.com