Minister of Health, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, issued new regulations on Monday, banning the sale, importation, and manufacture of hemp seed, hemp seed oil, hemp seed flour, and any part or derivative of Cannabis in food and cosmetics.
The regulations state that
anyone who is found to be selling foodstuffs with the prohibited ingredients
will be liable to a fine or imprisonment on conviction.
The minister imposed this
under the regulations that fall under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and
Disinfectants Act (1972).
According to reports, this
contradicts President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent public support for the hemp and
cannabis industries.
In his State of the Nation
Address on February 6, 2025, President Ramaphosa emphasized the economic
potential of hemp and cannabis, stating, “We want South Africa to be leading in
the commercial production of hemp and cannabis.”
Therefore, this latest
decision appears to undermine that vision, leaving industry leaders confused.
Done By: Elona Sibunzi
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