South Africa Withdraws Hemp Foods Ban After Stakeholder Concerns

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has withdrawn a recent ban on cannabis food products following public safety concerns. The regulations were criticized for lacking stakeholder consultation. Roamphosa emphasized the need for public participation in developing new regulations to protect consumers, particularly minors. His support for the hemp industry remains vital for its future growth and regulation.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the withdrawal of a recent ban on cannabis food products. This decision comes approximately three weeks after the Minister of Health, Dr. Pakishe Aaron Motsoaledi, implemented restrictions under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act (1972), which prohibited the sale, importation, and manufacture of foodstuffs containing cannabis, including hemp foods. This regulation surprised many stakeholders and posed significant risks to the growth of the local industry.

The ban was reportedly enacted due to public safety concerns regarding the unregulated production of cannabis edibles, as South Africa lacks a national framework for the regulation of production, testing, and marketing of these products. In a recent briefing, both President Ramaphosa and Minister Motsoaledi voiced their continued apprehensions over unregulated cannabis and hemp products flooding the South African market.

However, it has become clear that the initial ban was overly broad. The President has emphasized the necessity for greater stakeholder engagement and public input in developing new regulations aimed at ensuring consumer safety, particularly among minors. The official statement indicates that the Minister of Health will retract the relevant regulations prohibiting cannabis foodstuffs.

President Ramaphosa stated that the Department of Health will conduct broader consultations before finalizing revised regulations. It is suggested that had these consultations occurred earlier, the ban might never have been imposed in its current form. The South African hemp industry benefits from the President’s support; in his State of the Nation Address in February, he affirmed the desire for South Africa to be a leader in hemp and cannabis production. This continued support is pivotal for the industry, assuming that effective regulations can be established.

In conclusion, the South African government’s hasty ban on hemp foods has been retracted following President Ramaphosa’s recognition of the need for stakeholder consultation. The country’s efforts to regulate cannabis production and marketing will be enhanced through engagement with various stakeholders. The President’s commitment to supporting the hemp industry remains crucial for its developmental prospects, provided that regulations are effectively instituted.

Original Source: hempgazette.com