Ramaphosa Withdraws Controversial Cannabis Food Ban Amid Industry Backlash

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the withdrawal of the controversial ban on foodstuffs containing cannabis and hemp in South Africa, following significant backlash from the industry.

The Department of Health, led by Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, had recently enforced the ban due to concerns over unregulated imported foodstuffs. However, the sweeping regulation sparked outrage from licensed cultivators, small businesses, and cannabis advocates, who argued it would destroy the R4 billion hemp industry and criminalize legally traded hemp products.

Why Was the Ban Introduced?

Motsoaledi’s primary concern was the unregulated influx of hemp- and cannabis-infused food products into South Africa. This prompted the department to impose an outright ban on the importation, production, and sale of any food containing hemp, cannabis, or its derivatives—including hemp seed oil and hemp seed flour, which have no psychoactive effects.

Under the ban, anyone selling, manufacturing, or importing food containing cannabis components—including Sativa, Indica, Ruderalis, or hemp derivatives—would have faced fines or imprisonment.

Industry Backlash: Threat to Businesses and Jobs

The cannabis and hemp industry fiercely opposed the ban, arguing that it:

• Criminalized legally traded hemp food products, which are widely recognized as safe and non-psychoactive.

• Threatened 1,400 licensed hemp cultivators and 400 small and medium enterprises (SMMEs) that rely on the industry for business.

• Contradicted South Africa’s cannabis policy trajectory, which has been moving towards legalization and regulation rather than prohibition.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) warned that the move jeopardized thousands of jobs and undermined South Africa’s emerging hemp industry, which contributes significantly to the economy.

Ramaphosa’s Reversal: A Step Towards Regulation

Following extensive criticism, Ramaphosa stepped in, announcing that the ban would be withdrawn to allow for further stakeholder engagement and public consultation.

The Department of Health will now conduct broader industry consultations before publishing revised regulations that distinguish between:

• Hemp-derived food products (hemp seed oil, flour, etc.), which are safe for consumption.

• Unregulated cannabis-infused products, which may require stricter oversight.

Experts argue that instead of blanket prohibition, the government should focus on establishing safety and quality standards for hemp-based foods, ensuring consumer protection without harming the industry.

Cannabis Regulation Still in Limbo

While Ramaphosa has signed the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act into law, it has yet to be activated pending the development of a comprehensive regulatory framework.

This delay has left the adult-use cannabis industry in legal limbo, preventing entrepreneurs from legally entering the market while allowing unregulated trade to flourish.

Without clear cultivation, trade, and taxation laws, South Africa’s cannabis industry remains in a grey area, frustrating businesses and consumers alike.

{Source BusinessTech}

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