New Cannabis Rules: What the 750g Private Possession Limit Means for South Africans

South Africa’s long-awaited journey toward a regulated cannabis landscape is finally getting its rulebook. Proposed regulations under the Cannabis for Private Purposes Actsigned into law last May but not yet operationalhave laid out clear, if surprising, boundaries for personal use. The headline figure: adults will be allowed to possess up to 750 grams of cannabis in a private place at any given time during a single day.

Yes, you read that correctly. 750 grams. That’s roughly the weight of a standard loaf of bread. The same limit applies to carrying cannabis in a public place for private use, a detail that signals a significant shift from the previous legal grey area.

From Constitutional Court to Your Garden: The Limits of Cultivation

The proposed rules, published by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, also bring clarity to home cultivation. An adult may cultivate no more than five cannabis plants at any time, “regardless of the size, shape, or strain.” This attempts to close potential loopholes but may spark debate among enthusiasts who grow large, high-yielding plants.

For many, the 750g possession limit seems exceptionally generous, especially when compared to global norms. It reflects a pragmatic, if controversial, attempt to align the law with the reality of home cultivation yields and traditional practices, while still imposing a measurable cap to prevent stockpiling for potential commercial diversion.

Driving with Dagga: The “Out of Sight” Rule

Perhaps the most practical section for everyday users deals with transportation. If you need to move your cannabis, the rules are strict on discretion. It must be concealed from public view, preferably in the boot or a closed storage compartment of a vehicle. If that’s not possible, it must be in a sealed container that hides it completely. This “out of sight” principle is clearly designed to keep private use truly private and away from public spaces.

The Bigger Picture: Commerce and the Master Plan

While these regulations govern private use, the government’s eyes are fixed on a much larger prize: a thriving legal industry. President Ramaphosa has repeatedly positioned South Africa to be a leader in hemp and cannabis production. The National Cannabis Master Plan, steered by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), aims to unlock this economic potential.

The forthcoming Hemp and Cannabis Commercialisation Policy, slated for Cabinet review by April, is the next critical piece. It will outline how the country transitions from personal use to a regulated commercial marketa complex task balancing economic opportunity with social and health considerations.

Supporting this ambition, the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) is planning a state-of-the-art, climate-controlled cannabis research facility in Pretoria. This R&D investment underscores the serious intent to develop strains, optimise cultivation, and position South African products for a competitive global market.

A Law in Waiting

It’s crucial to remember: these are still proposed regulations. Parliament must approve them, and the President must proclaim the Act into effect. Public commentary will likely shape the final details. Yet, the publication of these draft rules marks a decisive step. They provide a tangible framework for what “private purposes” will legally mean, ending years of uncertainty since the landmark 2018 decriminalisation ruling.

The message is becoming clear: South Africa is cautiously, but determinedly, building a dual-track futureone that protects the constitutional right to private consumption while methodically laying the groundwork for a green economic revolution. The 750g limit is not just a number; it’s a symbol of this uniquely South African balancing act.