South African President Cyril Ramaphosa plans to lift a ban on cannabis and hemp-derived edibles announced earlier this month following vast backlash over the move. Trade associations and stakeholders felt that the prohibition had no scientific basis and was detrimental to the economy.
The statement released by his office on Tuesday explained that the ban was intended to protect minors, but it has since been reconsidered.
“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 statement read.
The news was well-received by the Foundation for Rights of Expression and Equality (Free SA) — a Johannesburg-based non-profit that sent a formal letter to the nation’s leader last week saying that failure to reverse the ban would result in legal action by the organization.
“We made it clear that the government cannot pass sweeping, punitive regulations without consulting the public,” Free SA spokesperson, Reuben Coetzer, said in a statement Wednesday. “On the eve of being taken to court, the minister has rightly withdrawn the unlawful regulations.”
The Cannabis Trade Association Africa (CTAA) was also quite pleased about the development after condemning the health ministry’s Mar. 7 decision. Thousands of jobs were at stake if the South African leader refused to revoke the ban.
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South Africa has been a pioneer in the continent
The nation has decriminalized cultivation and possession of the plant, but the country has yet to open an adult-use market. Medical cannabis remains heavily regulated in Joburg, Cape Town, Pretoria and other places within its borders.
The South African cannabis operator Verve Dynamics was the first in Africa to receive a medical marijuana license in 2017, but it conducted its cultivation activities in Lesotho. This small African state was the first in the continent to legalize growing the plant for medical and scientific purposes.
South Africa followed suit in Q3 of 2018 after Zimbabwe (the second) in April of that year.
South Africa's constitutional court has ruled that the private use of marijuana is legal. This has the potential to free up lots of police resources, to reduce police corruption, and to reduce unnecessary conflict between police and the public. #marijuana #dagga @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/GgVl6Fh3pH
— Andrew Faull (@AGFaull) September 18, 2018
rowan@mugglehead.com
