South Africa’s Hemp Foods Ban Set for Withdrawal Following Public Outcry

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the recent ban on cannabis foods in South Africa will be lifted. The initial prohibition, implemented by Health Minister Dr. Pakishe Aaron Motsoaledi, was met with industry backlash due to public safety concerns. The government acknowledges the need for further consultation to develop nuanced regulations protecting consumers, especially minors.

In a surprising turn of events, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the recent ban on cannabis foods will be revoked. Just three weeks prior, Minister of Health Dr. Pakishe Aaron Motsoaledi imposed new regulations that prohibited the sale, importation, and manufacturing of food products containing cannabis, which notably affected the hemp food industry. This sudden action was driven by public safety concerns related to unregulated cannabis edibles in a market lacking a national regulatory framework.

During a recent briefing, both the President and Minister of Health expressed concerns about unregulated imported foods containing hemp and cannabis overwhelming the South African market. However, it became apparent that the sweeping ban was excessive. President Ramaphosa emphasized the need for further stakeholder consultations to create regulations that protect consumers, especially minors.

The statement released on the Presidential website confirmed the decision to withdraw the prohibitions under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act. The Department of Health is tasked with ongoing consultations, aimed at producing revised regulations. Had such discussions occurred earlier, it is likely that the initial ban would not have been enacted.

Fortunately for the hemp industry, President Ramaphosa has voiced strong support for cannabis initiatives. During his State of the Nation Address in February, he highlighted a vision for South Africa to lead in the commercial production of hemp and cannabis. With continued advocacy and appropriate regulation, the potential for growth in this sector remains promising.

Hemp and cannabis are often conflated; however, hemp refers to cannabis with significantly low levels of the psychoactive component THC, specifically capped at 0.2% in South Africa. It is essential to differentiate between hemp and marijuana to understand their respective legal standings and uses effectively.

In conclusion, South Africa’s government has taken a pivotal step back from a hastily implemented ban on cannabis foods, primarily due to public sentiment and the need for more comprehensive stakeholder engagement. The decision to withdraw the prohibitions reflects a commitment to creating a balanced regulatory framework that aims to protect consumers without stifling industry growth. With President Ramaphosa’s support, the future of South Africa’s hemp industry holds significant potential, provided that the right regulations are established.

Original Source: hempgazette.com