South Africa’s government backs down on Cannabis food ban  

Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi made the decision after facing strong opposition from industry groups and businesses.

The announcement came after Motsoaledi met with President Cyril Ramaphosa to discuss the backlash.

The presidency said Ramaphosa supports more discussions with experts and the public before making new rules. He wants to ensure that any regulations protect people’s health, especially children, without harming businesses.

Local reports indicate that Motsoaledi had quietly introduced the ban earlier this month under the Foodstuffs Act of 1972.

The rules made it illegal to sell or produce food with cannabis ingredients, including hemp seed oil and hemp flour, threatening persons who defied the rules with a fine or jail time.

Many in the cannabis and hemp industry strongly opposed the move, with some groups threatening legal action and arguing that the ban had no scientific basis and that the government had not consulted them. The Cannabis Trade Association Africa said the ban ignored the fact that hemp products had been traded for years without issue.

Motsoaledi denied reports that the president had summoned him to explain his decision.

However, he acknowledged that he and Ramaphosa had both received complaints from businesses and industry leaders. He said his main concern was unregulated food imports containing cannabis and hemp.

The government had earlier said it wanted to protect consumers from health risks while working on a long-term plan to regulate cannabis and hemp products properly.

Deputy Health Director-General Dr. Anban Pillay confirmed that Motsoaledi had received many comments from people worried about the ban.

In his State of the Nation Address in February, Ramaphosa said he wanted South Africa to be a leader in cannabis and hemp production.

The government’s decision to withdraw the ban shows a shift towards supporting the industry while ensuring proper regulations are in place.