The power of stakeholder advocacy has once again proven its effectiveness, compelling President Cyril Ramaphosa to overturn the controversial cannabis foodstuff ban imposed by the Health Minister. This swift action has set the stage for a broader push toward comprehensive cannabis legislation. But can this momentum translate into the establishment of a structured commercial framework?
A Political Reversal Sparked by Stakeholder Outcry
Following the 7 March 2025 government gazette announcement of an unexpected blanket ban on cannabis edibles—including hemp—the President’s office was inundated with internal and external objections. Sources indicate that even President Ramaphosa was blindsided by the decision, particularly given his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA) commitment to positioning South Africa at the forefront of cannabis and hemp commercialization.
Realizing the legal and economic ramifications of inaction, Ramaphosa opted for a full repeal rather than a partial relaxation of the ban. This culminated in the 25 March 2025 statement, in which the President confirmed the withdrawal of the regulations and assured stakeholders that future decisions would involve industry consultations.
Shift in Regulatory Oversight to the DTIC
A significant consequence of the controversy is the reported removal of cannabis-related regulatory decisions from the Department of Health, transferring authority to the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC). The department’s representative, Sinah Mosehla, has confirmed that public consultations on a commercial framework for cannabis are imminent.
Industry Reactions and Calls for Urgent Legislation
Stakeholders have widely celebrated the ban’s reversal but remain cautious about ongoing regulatory uncertainties:
- Trenton Birch, co-founder of Cheeba Africa, who was among the first to appeal to the President, emphasized the need for legislative clarity:“We’re ecstatic that the Government overturned this ridiculous decision, but this situation highlights the disjointed nature of governance. Now, we need urgent action on legislation.”
- Tebogo Thlopane, Chairperson of the Cannabis Trade Association Africa, called the reversal a “win for logic, legality, and livelihoods” but warned against future policy instability:“The cannabis industry cannot afford regulatory unpredictability. We need science-backed, sensible laws.”
- Darryl Weiss, Director at Silverleaf Investments, expressed optimism that this quick policy reversal could drive further legislative urgency:“This swift turnaround is encouraging. Hopefully, it signals that key ministries will now prioritize a structured framework for the cannabis sector.”
Legal and Regulatory Roadmap
While Friends of Hemp South Africa (FOHSA) has dropped its legal challenge following the ban’s withdrawal, some businesses may still pursue compensation for losses incurred during its enforcement.
Legal expert Charl Botha has proposed a three-step approach to guiding cannabis-related food regulations:
- Develop a science-based regulatory framework that differentiates between hemp-derived food products and psychoactive cannabis.
- Align South Africa’s cannabis laws with international trade standards to stimulate economic growth.
- Engage industry stakeholders and regulatory bodies—including SAHPRA and the Department of Health—to create risk-based product classifications rather than outright bans.
The Next Steps in Cannabis Commercialization
During the 12 March 2025 Cheeba What the Hemp 2.0? webinar, DTIC spokesperson Thembelihle Ndukwana hinted that the ban was never meant to be permanent and confirmed that the department is preparing to co-fund hemp foodstuff projects once new regulations are established.
“Stay alert—we will be reaching out to co-create this Master Plan,” she told stakeholders.
Applications for the Cannabis Master Plan project manager position within the DTIC have closed, but it remains unclear whether the hiring process will impact upcoming stakeholder engagement initiatives.
Final Thoughts:
The cannabis industry has scored a critical victory, but stakeholders agree: the fight for a clear, investor-friendly legal framework is far from over. With regulatory oversight now under the DTIC, all eyes are on the government to deliver a structured, progressive commercial policy that aligns with global standards and industry needs.
The next few months will determine whether this momentum can be leveraged into meaningful legislative action—or if the cannabis sector will once again be left in limbo.