Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi made his decision following significant pushback from industry stakeholders and businesses.
This announcement followed a meeting between Motsoaledi and President Cyril Ramaphosa, where they addressed the negative reactions to the proposed ban.
The presidency stated that Ramaphosa advocates for further consultations with experts and the public prior to implementing new regulations. His goal is to ensure that any new rules safeguard public health, particularly for children, while also considering the interests of businesses.
Local reports suggest that Motsoaledi had discreetly enacted the ban earlier this month under the Foodstuffs Act of 1972.
The regulations prohibited the sale or production of food containing cannabis components, such as hemp seed oil and hemp flour, imposing penalties of fines or imprisonment on those who violated the rules.
The cannabis and hemp sectors expressed strong opposition to this decision, with some organizations threatening legal action, arguing that the ban lacked scientific justification and that the government had failed to engage with them. The Cannabis Trade Association Africa stated that hemp products had been traded for years without any problems.
Motsoaledi refuted claims that the president had called him in to justify his decision.
Nonetheless, he admitted that both he and Ramaphosa had received numerous complaints from business leaders and industry representatives. He emphasized that his primary concern was the influx of unregulated food imports containing cannabis and hemp.
The government previously indicated its intention to protect consumers from health hazards while developing a comprehensive strategy for the proper regulation of cannabis and hemp products.
See more: Should be banned’,personal choice’, ‘bad for the environment.
Deputy Health Director-General Dr. Anban Pillay confirmed that Motsoaledi had received a substantial amount of feedback from individuals concerned about the ban.
In his State of the Nation Address in February, Ramaphosa expressed his desire for South Africa to become a leader in cannabis and hemp production.
The government’s decision to retract the ban signifies a shift towards supporting the industry. hile ensuring that appropriate regulations are established.
