South Africa to Introduce New Cannabis Food Regulations After Industry Backlash

South Africa is set to revisit and revise its stance on cannabis-infused food products following a controversial ban earlier this year — with new regulations now expected “soon.”

Minister of Health, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, has confirmed that his department will soon publish draft regulations governing the sale, import, and manufacturing of foodstuffs containing cannabis or its derivatives. The move follows backlash from industry stakeholders, legal experts, and the public after the Department of Health issued a sudden prohibition in March 2025.

A Controversial Ban Withdrawn After Uproar

The March ban outlawed all food products containing cannabis — including hemp seed oil, Sativa, Indica, Ruderalis, and other derivatives — leading to the suspension of countless legal imports and local sales. The ban was short-lived, however. It was withdrawn in April after President Cyril Ramaphosa intervened, citing the need for broader consultation.

Critics of the ban argued it was overreaching, especially given South Africa’s recent progress in decriminalizing private cannabis use and exploring cannabis as an economic opportunity. Industry players were particularly dismayed by the lack of public consultation and the blow to small businesses operating legally within the CBD and hemp food space.

Motsoaledi Defends the Move — But Promises New Approach

In a parliamentary Q&A this past week, Minister Motsoaledi defended the original ban as a “prohibition order” made within his department’s powers under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act. However, he acknowledged that new regulations would be drafted and published for public comment, following the president’s directive.

One of the key reasons for the prohibition, he said, was the safety of children. The department recorded incidents where minors consumed cannabis-infused foods like sweets, cookies, and chocolates — likely containing high levels of THC or CBD. Research, he said, shows that cannabis can negatively affect brain development in individuals under 25.

“These products are often marketed in ways that appeal to children,” said Motsoaledi. “There have been numerous cases where children became ill after consuming these foodstuffs.”

Calls for a Balanced, Regulated Industry

While public health concerns are valid, many experts argue that regulation—not prohibition—is the way forward. They point out that with no clear standards for THC or CBD content, the absence of regulation leaves consumers and businesses exposed.

Industry groups are urging the health department to work with SAHPRA (the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority) to classify, test, and authorise such products appropriately. This would allow legal, safe trade and provide certainty for entrepreneurs operating in the cannabis and wellness space.

“Instead of shutting down an emerging market, we should be building it responsibly,” one legal analyst noted. “There’s enormous economic potential here if done right.”

Motsoaledi said the new draft regulations will address these concerns while keeping public health — particularly that of children — a top priority. The draft will soon be open for public comment, offering an opportunity for the public and stakeholders to shape the future of cannabis in food products in South Africa.

For now, the industry watches closely, hopeful that consultation, safety, and opportunity can all exist in the same regulatory space.

{Source: BusinessTech}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com