Opposition Parties and Businesses Slam Health Minister’s Ban on Cannabis Foodstuffs / Edibles

South Africa’s Health Minister, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, is facing growing opposition over his recent ban on cannabis-based foodstuffs. The Democratic Alliance (DA) and the GOOD Party have called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to intervene, warning that the ban could harm the fledgling hemp and cannabis industry and stifle economic growth.

The Ban and Its Implications

The ban, gazetted by Motsoaledi, prohibits the use of any part of the cannabis plant—including sativa, indica, ruderalis, hemp seed oil, or powder derivatives—in food products. This decision has sparked outrage among opposition parties, businesses, and industry leaders, who argue that it undermines the potential of the cannabis industry to create jobs and drive economic development.

DA spokesperson on health, Michelle Clarke, criticized the ban as a “reckless disregard for sound policy.” She emphasized that the government should support the hemp industry, which has the potential to boost jobs, improve public health, and drive sustainable economic growth. “Instead of imposing restrictions, the government should be fostering innovation and investment in this sector,” Clarke said.

Calls for Sensible Regulation

The GOOD Party’s secretary-general, Brett Herron, highlighted the lack of coherent policy to regulate the sale of cannabis and hemp products. “Without clear regulations, it becomes difficult to manage the sale of edible products, and this gap allows for blanket bans like the one imposed by the Health Minister,” Herron said. He urged the government to develop a comprehensive regulatory framework that balances public health concerns with economic opportunities.

Vanessa Jarvis-Findlay, founder of NEKED, a cannabis social club and dispensary, echoed these sentiments. She called for collaboration between the government and industry leaders to create sensible regulations rather than resorting to blanket bans. “Blanket bans only drive cannabis consumption underground and fail to address the real issues, such as irresponsible dosing and unethical practices,” Jarvis-Findlay said.

Economic and Social Impact

The ban has raised concerns about its potential economic impact. Myron Krost, CEO of Canna Trade Africa, warned that the policy change could deter investors and harm the industry’s growth. “Investors are already hesitant, and this ban could push them away entirely,” Krost said. He revealed that industry leaders are mobilizing to lobby the government and reverse the decision.

Agbiz senior economist Wandile Sihlobo noted that South Africa has been slow to establish a clear regulatory path for cannabis, which has hindered the industry’s growth. “Cannabis has the potential to revitalize rural communities and create opportunities for ‘cannatourism,’ particularly in regions like the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Limpopo,” Sihlobo said. He emphasized the need for balanced regulations that support the industry while ensuring public safety.

The Way Forward

The Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition, under Minister Parks Tau, is working on a draft Hemp and Cannabis Value Chain Master Plan, expected to be finalized by the end of the 2025/26 fiscal year. This plan aims to address key areas such as crop breeding, disease surveillance, and the development of sustainable seed systems. The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) has already developed two new hemp varieties, signaling progress in agricultural innovation.

However, stakeholders argue that more urgent action is needed to prevent the ban from derailing the industry’s potential. “South Africa still has the opportunity to build a competitive edge in the cannabis industry, but we need clear and supportive policies to make that happen,” Sihlobo said.

The ban on cannabis-based foodstuffs has ignited a fierce debate in South Africa, with opposition parties and industry leaders calling for a more balanced approach. While public health concerns are valid, stakeholders argue that blanket bans are not the solution. Instead, they advocate for sensible regulations that foster innovation, protect consumers, and unlock the economic potential of the cannabis industry. As the government finalizes its master plan, the focus must be on creating a regulatory framework that supports growth while addressing legitimate concerns.

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