SACCA spokesperson Bertie van Jarsveldt says South Africans should not automatically assume that future regulations will allow the the private club model to operate.
He says the DTIC’s focus appears to be on supporting the production of hemp and medical cannabis and that it has not yet committed to full adult-use legalization.
“Government is sitting with a big problem with the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act” says van Zyl. “It forbids the commercial trade in cannabis yet provides no alternatives, other than home-grow, for anyone wanting to enjoy their constitutional right to enjoy cannabis in the privacy of their own home”.
He says this is where the private cannabis club movement can help Government with a solution to the problem.
Van Jaarsveldt said it was ludicrous that current policy focuses almost exclusively on medical and industrial cannabis, while overlooking the recreational market that represents the vast majority of South Africa’s cannabis community. “By excluding this reality, government is leaving behind the very people who have built and sustained the culture around cannabis. Without solutions such as private cannabis clubs, there is no meaningful way for ordinary South Africans to exercise their rights responsibly.”
“Private cannabis clubs operate as a closed loop of members who are able to transact privately within a constitutionally defensible framework,” says van Jaarsveldt.
“ The best way to assist the Government in their job is to show that we can comply with clear rules and systems, to help them to write the laws. . Compliance is not a burden – it’s our strongest argument for recognition.”
He added that SACCA is promoting compliance as the foundation to unite clubs across the country. “By aligning around transparent processes, accountability, and proper governance, we are showing that the cannabis community is capable of regulating itself responsibly. This is what will ultimately win the confidence of lawmakers.”
The response from clubs so far has been encouraging. SACCA has already received 35 registrations with representation across all 9 provinces.
Question: which category best describes your business or involvement?
Cannabis Club 28,6%
Cultivator Grower 22,9%
Legal/Compliance Consultants 20%
Individuals 8,6%
Other: 19,9%
(‘Other’ includes licenced SAHPRA growers and equipment service providers)
“This momentum shows that clubs recognize the urgency of standing together,” says van Jaarsveldt. “We are building a united voice that can’t be ignored when the laws are finally debated in Parliament.”
SACCA has confirmed that its next step will be to host a webinar round table meeting with all SACCA members and relevant stakeholders. Invitations will also be extended to key governmental departments to engage in constructive dialogue. The aim of the session will be to review SACCA’s current course of action and to pave a clear road forward towards achieving legal recognition for cannabis clubs in South Africa.
SACCA spokesperson Bertie van Jarsveldt says South Africans should not automatically assume that future regulations will allow for community based operations in cannabis and related products and this underlines the importance of getting legal recognition for private clubs.
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