The Government of National Unity (GNU), led by the ANC majority in Parliament, has reversed its recent decision to impose a legislative ban on the sale of cannabis and dagga products. This dramatic U-turn has been met with widespread relief from cannabis users and sellers alike.
The lifting of the ban has alleviated concerns among millions of South Africans, including those involved in the burgeoning cannabis business sector. In upmarket areas like Westville, Durban North, and Umhlanga, as well as in Indian and black townships, cannabis businesses have thrived, with hundreds of new outlets opening their doors. These businesses are raking in millions of rands from cannabis-based food and medicinal products.
The initial ban, introduced in March 2025 by the Department of Health, prohibited the import, manufacture, and sale of food products containing cannabis and hemp, including items like hemp seed oil and flour. This move triggered an outcry from growers, business owners, and activists, who argued that it contradicted the government’s earlier promises to foster the cannabis industry as a driver of economic growth and job creation. The backlash quickly escalated, and the threat of legal challenges became overwhelming.
Under pressure, President Cyril Ramaphosa held consultations with Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, a member of the ANC. Following this high-level meeting, the GNU announced that the controversial regulations would be withdrawn to allow for a comprehensive public consultation process. This decision, seen as a dramatic reversal, aims to ensure that all stakeholders can contribute to the formulation of policies governing the use of cannabis and hemp products in foodstuffs.
The ban had sparked serious concerns about the impact on the rapidly growing cannabis industry, which includes licensed cultivation businesses and small to medium-sized enterprises. Critics warned that the ban could result in job losses, deter investment, and push the industry underground into the black market. It also threatened to undermine South Africa’s efforts to become a global leader in cannabis production, sale, and marketing.
With the ban lifted, stakeholders in the cannabis industry have expressed relief and renewed optimism. The upcoming public consultations will address the complexities of regulating cannabis and hemp products, balancing public health concerns with economic opportunities. This process underscores the importance of inclusive policymaking in shaping the future of cannabis legislation.
In parallel, a recent academic survey has highlighted the rise of new-age smoking habits among teenagers, including vaping and cannabis cigarette use. According to the survey, many high school students are turning to vaping to cope with stress and anxiety, with some schools reporting vaping rates as high as 46% among Grade 12 (matric) students. The use of cannabis (also known as “Durban Poison”) and hookah pipes is also on the rise, with these products easily accessible at tobacconists and gift shops.
A comprehensive study conducted by the University of Cape Town (UCT) and published in *The Lancet EClinicalMedicine* in 2024 revealed concerning trends in vaping among high school students across the country, including in Durban and KwaZulu-Natal. Key findings from the study of over 25,000 learners across 52 schools include that 16.8% of high school students reported using e-cigarettes in the past 30 days. Usage rates increased with grade levels, reaching 29.5% among Grade 12 students, with some schools reporting rates as high as 46%. In comparison, tobacco cigarette use was reported by 2% of students, cannabis by 5%, and hookah pipe use by 3%. Between 40% and 60% of student vapers showed signs of nicotine dependence, such as using e-cigarettes within an hour of waking up. Motivations for vaping included social influence, curiosity, and stress relief, with many students continuing to vape to manage anxiety and depression. Some admitted to vaping addiction.
The study’s findings underscore the need for urgent public health interventions to address the growing vaping epidemic among adolescents.
In 2018, the Constitutional Court ruling decriminalised the private use and cultivation of cannabis for adults, allowing possession and growth for personal use but prohibiting sales and public consumption. In May 2024, the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act legalised the private use of cannabis for adults while clarifying restrictions on minors and regulating possession limits. Between 2002 and 2017, the prevalence of cannabis use in South Africa rose from 1.5% to 7.8%. A 2021 study identified cannabis as the most widely used drug among adolescents, with significant rates of both daily and non-daily use. In 2018, 43.3% of individuals admitted to treatment for substance use disorders sought help for cannabis-related issues. The cannabis market is projected to exceed R5 billion by 2025, with an annual growth rate of 0.94% from 2025 to 2029. Cannabis-infused products, including alcohol, are becoming increasingly popular as manufacturers seek to meet the growing consumer demand.
These developments reflect a complex landscape where cannabis consumption has increased, influenced by evolving legal frameworks and market dynamics, while also posing challenges related to public health and regulation.
