Open Farms chairman Shaad Vayej told IOL News on 26 March 2025 that the  withdrawal of the recent prohibition on cannabis and hemp foodstuffs, was a pivotal moment for the industry

"This move signals the government's commitment to broad stakeholder consultation—a much-needed shift towards transparent and evidence-based regulation," he said. "The withdrawal of the prohibition means that CBD and THC-infused foodstuffs are no longer outright banned under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act (Foodstuffs Act)." 

He added that, nevertheless, this does not imply a free for all in the market.

"The regulation of these products still falls under existing SAHPRA guidelines and the Medicines and Related Substances Act (Medicines Act), which continue to classify certain cannabis-derived products as scheduled substances."

On Tuesday, the Presidency announced that the Minister of Health will repeal the regulations under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act (Foodstuffs Act) that prohibit the sale, importation, and manufacture of hemp and cannabis-containing products.

Vayej said that while the repeal of ‘The Ban’ was a success for the industry, the Department of Health's concerns about product safety and labelling remained genuine.

He cited the government's possible concerns, including unregulated imports and weak product labelling, which might lead to unintended access to psychoactive chemicals, particularly among minors.

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