South Africa’s cannabis industry is reeling after Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi quietly enacted regulations banning the sale, production, and importation of cannabis-infused food products.
The new rules, published by the government on March 7, 2025, have blindsided businesses and consumers alike, effectively outlawing hemp seed oil, hemp flour, and THC-infused edibles. The move comes just months after President Cyril Ramaphosa touted the economic potential of cannabis and hemp, raising concerns over contradictory government policies.
The ban, implemented under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act of 1972, applies to all food products containing Cannabis sativa L., including widely used hemp-based items with negligible THC content. This sweeping restriction has sparked outrage among industry stakeholders, who argue it stifles a growing market and undermines South Africa’s position as a potential cannabis leader.
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