President Wants Wider Consultation On Cannabis Food Products Ban

President Cyril Ramaphosa has affirmed his support for more stakeholder engagements on the new regulations banning the production, import and sale of any foods containing cannabis and hemp products.

This is after the Health Department gazetted a notice earlier in the month prohibiting the selling, manufacturing and importing of cannabis food products.

The decision by the health ministry has received criticism from the cannabis and hemp industry. They say this could lead to job losses.

Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says the health department will continue to consult before publishing the revised regulations.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has affirmed his support for more stakeholder consultation and public participation on the formulation of new regulations that will limit health risk and the negative impact of foodstuffs containing cannabis and hemp, particularly on minors. In briefing the President, the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, expressed concern about unregulated imported foodstuffs flooding the South African market containing hemp and cannabis.