South Africa’s President Revokes Ban on Hemp Foods Amid Regulatory Concerns
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has decided to withdraw a recent ban on cannabis foods initiated by Health Minister Motsoaledi, which had caused turmoil in the hemp industry. This decision follows concerns regarding public safety and underlines a need for stakeholder consultation in creating new regulations. Ramaphosa’s support for the sector remains crucial for its future development.
In a surprising turn of events, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the withdrawal of a recent ban on cannabis foods. This decision follows an announcement made by Health Minister Dr. Pakishe Aaron Motsoaledi, which prohibited the sale, import, and manufacture of food products containing cannabis, including hemp foods, thereby alarming the local industry and jeopardizing future developments.
The initial ban stemmed from concerns regarding public safety related to unregulated cannabis edibles, given the absence of a national framework for regulating production, testing, and marketing of these products in South Africa. During a recent briefing, both the President and Health Minister acknowledged ongoing concerns about unregulated imported cannabis products flooding the South African market.
Recognizing that the broad ban may have been excessive, President Ramaphosa expressed the need for broader stakeholder consultation and public input in the development of new regulations aimed at consumer protection, particularly for minors. The President stated, “In light of further stakeholder consultations, the Minister of Health will withdraw the Regulations under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act to prohibit the sale, importation, and manufacture of foodstuffs containing hemp and cannabis.”
The Department of Health will continue engaging with stakeholders prior to releasing revised regulations. Observers noted that had such consultations occurred beforehand, the imposition of the ban might have been avoided. Fortunately, President Ramaphosa is a proponent of the hemp industry; he previously emphasized the goal of establishing South Africa as a leader in commercial hemp and cannabis production during his State of the Nation Address in February.
The announcement to withdraw the ban on cannabis foods marks a pivotal moment for South Africa’s hemp industry, demonstrating the importance of stakeholder engagement in policymaking. This indicates a commitment to responsibly regulate the industry while addressing public safety concerns. The ongoing support from President Ramaphosa could lead to enhanced opportunities for the hemp sector, contingent upon the establishment of appropriate regulations.
Original Source: hempgazette.com
