By Maile Matsimela
It appears the outcry against the law banning the sale of cannabis and hemp products has reached the president’s ears.
On Tuesday evening, the presidency released a statement in which they announced that Minister of Health, Aaron Motsoaledi, will withdraw the ban.
The South African Cannabis and Hemp Industry Development Association (SACHIDA) had reacted with shock following the minister’s recent ban relating to the prohibition of the sale, importation and manufacture of foodstuffs containing any part of the plant or component derived from the genus Cannabis sativa L., hemp, hemp seed oil or hemp seed flour, as published in Government Gazette No. 52227 on 7 March 2025.
SACHIDA chairman Katlego George Kgopotse said then that minister should engage for a measured, collaborative policymaking, rather than to “resort to sweeping bans that feel more like a knee-jerk reaction than a solution”.
The association felt the minister’s actions were hindering economic growth and job creation, as the hemp industry is positioned to contribute substantially to South Africa’s GDP, create employment and generate revenue through taxation.
In a statement, Vincent Magwenya, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesman, said in light of further stakeholder consultations, the Minister of Health will withdraw the Regulations under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act (Foodstuffs Act) to prohibit the sale, importation and manufacture of foodstuffs containing hemp and cannabis.
“The president affirmed his support for more stakeholder consultation and public participation on the formulation of new regulations that will limit health risk and the negative impact of foodstuffs containing cannabis and hemp, particularly on minors.
“In briefing the President, the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, expressed concern about unregulated imported foodstuffs containing hemp and cannabis flooding the South African market,” said Magwenya.
Kgopotse previously told African Farming the cannabis industry does need regulation – proper quality control, clear safety standards, and most importantly, restricted access to high-THC products for minors.
“No argument there. But what we have here is a textbook case of throwing the baby out with the bathwater,” he said, referring to the ban.
Also read:
More fire! Talks of legal action to challenge cannabis ban
Regulate, don’t annihilate: Why South Africa’s cannabis industry needs smart policies, not panic ban
Cannabis ban: Farmers want urgent meeting with health minister
