Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi is to withdraw the gazetted regulations prohibiting the sale, importation and manufacture of food products containing cannabis and hemp, after a meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The Presidency said Ramaphosa wants more stakeholder consultation and public participation on the proposed regulations “that will limit health risks and the negative impact of foodstuffs containing cannabis and hemp, particularly on minors”.
The gazetted regulations earlier this month – under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act of 1972 – banned any food with ingredients derived from cannabis, hemp seed oil, or hemp seed flour, reports News24.
They also declared that anyone selling, importing or manufacturing edible products containing the substances was guilty of an offence and liable to a fine or imprisonment on conviction.
However, there was a wave of protest from the cannabis industry, particularly the hemp sector which has seen growth in trade over the years.
Various groups threatened to head to court to interdict Motsoaledi from enforcing the ban, with the Cannabis Trade Association Africa (CTAA) saying his decision had no scientific basis and ignored public participation.
On Monday, sources said Motsoaledi was apparently summoned to the President’s Office to explain his decision, although this was denied by the Minister’s spokesperson, Sello Lediga, He added, however, that as both the President and Minister had received letters from roleplayers, “the Minister has sought a meeting … to discuss the matter”.
Grand plan
The Health Department previously said it wanted to protect consumers from risks associated with ingesting cannabis, while it worked on a “grand plan” to integrate these products into the regulatory frameworks of the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), ensuring stringent quality and safety measures.
SAHPRA does not, however, deal with the private or recreational use of cannabis.
It is also not clear how SAHPRA would regulate food items containing cannabis, which are regulated through the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, of which SAHPRA is not a custodian.
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
Health Department says cannabis edibles ban will protect consumers
Rise in number of young South Africans seeking help for cannabis abuse
Portfolio committee extends scope of the Cannabis for Private Purposes Bill