The South African Department of Health’s ban on cannabis-derived food products has been criticized for being unconstitutional, ill-informed, and detrimental to the industry. The prohibition lacks public participation and threatens economic growth, despite the government’s intent to promote hemp’s commercialization. Industry experts advocate for clarity and support from the government to foster job creation and enhance the legal cannabis sector.
The recent ban enacted by the Department of Health in South Africa on all food products derived from the cannabis plant, including hemp and cannabidiol (CBD), has been criticized as unconstitutional and poorly informed by industry experts. Organizations within the cannabis sector have demanded an immediate reversal of this prohibition or may seek legal action against the government.
The ban was quietly announced on 7 March, approximately two months post-signature, and did so without prior public engagement, despite President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighting cannabis as an opportunity in his State of the Nation address. Penny Campbell, the Department of Health’s Director of Food Control, clarified that the ban prevents labeling products with CBD or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as foodstuff due to safety and compliance reasons.
Campbell emphasized that the aim is to ensure consumer safety concerning product contents while allowing manufacturers to indicate the presence of either CBD or THC transparently. Despite these intentions, the decision to decategorize hemp as foodstuff due to a claimed lack of nutritional evidence has provoked concerns among lobbyists and advocates who argue effective uses of hemp.
Ayanda Bam, president of Friends of Hemp South Africa, declared that hemp seeds possess significant nutritional benefits and can be utilized in various products, from smoothies to health oils. He condemned the ban as a product of a lack of understanding within the health department regarding the industry’s context and the cannabis plant.
The potential economic advantages of hemp production were underscored in Ramaphosa’s speech, noting that South Africa has an opportunity to excel in cannabis commercialization. Nevertheless, experts warn that the recent ban jeopardizes these opportunities by stifling growth within the sector.
The hemp seed market, valued at $5 billion in 2023, is expected to double by 2032. Food and beverage products represent over 55% of this market, which is increasing swiftly as health-conscious consumers opt for these alternatives. Countries like the US, Canada, and China recognize hemp as a food source, while South Africa has over 1,400 compliant hemp cultivation businesses regulated under existing frameworks.
The financial repercussions of this ban are significant, with estimates indicating a loss exceeding R80 million in inventory and R25 million in monthly revenue for local producers. Industry stakeholders indicate that the ban also undermines more than R4 billion already invested across the cannabis sector, threatening thousands of potential job opportunities.
According to Williams Sassman, founder of Hemp4Life, the ban renders the market unattractive for existing and prospective hemp cultivators. Tebogo Tlhopane, CEO of Biomuti, echoed these sentiments, stressing the necessity for supportive legislation that fosters local industries and job creation.
While the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition has initiated plans for cannabis regulation and commercialization, progress remains slow. A director from that department noted that companies engaged in cannabis food production must cease operations under the existing ban. However, efforts are anticipated to improve regulations governing cannabis in collaboration with the Department of Health, which has not yet responded to specific inquiries regarding this matter.
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority also refrained from commenting, citing the ban’s separation from its scope of regulating medicines or health products.
The ban on cannabis-derived food products in South Africa, executed by the Department of Health, has sparked significant backlash from industry representatives who argue that it is unconstitutional and detrimental to economic growth. Critics emphasize the lack of understanding exhibited by the department towards the benefits of the cannabis plant, especially in the context of potential revenue generation and job creation. As the global market for hemp expands, South Africa risks losing its competitive edge without a supportive regulatory framework that encourages the development of its cannabis industry. Additionally, the absence of collaboration between health and trade departments undermines efforts to create viable regulations to benefit the sector.
Original Source: mg.co.za
