The South African government has withdrawn a controversial cannabis ban, three weeks after it was implemented, acknowledging the need for consultation with stakeholders and the public on the proposals.
The department of health had quietly effected the ban on the sale, import and manufacturing of all foodstuffs containing parts of the cannabis plant, including hemp, on 7 March, triggering a backlash from several organisations, which called the move unconstitutional because there had been no prior public consultation.
South Africa had proposed a ban on cannabis and hemp products in foodstuffs and cosmetics. The import, manufacture and sale of any food products containing cannabis or its derivatives was passed into law under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act.
However, the ban was cancelled because of opposition. In a statement, the presidency said it would push for more stakeholder and public participation to formulate new regulations that would “limit health risk and the negative impact of foodstuffs containing cannabis and hemp, particularly on minors”.
“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,” it said.
Organisations and lobbyists in the cannabis industry called the withdrawal of the ban a “victory” but said there was still a long way to go to ensure the regulations were properly developed and enacted to allow the market to thrive.
