News 24 reported on 3 June 2026 that Stellenbosch University’s new rules for students in residence include a comprehensive section on cannabis.
The new regulations, issued on 1 April 2026 specify that the consumption of cannabis anywhere on University property will not be protected by the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act, which is yet to officially become law.
No ‘Higher’ Learning on Campus
The University’s new guidelines state that: “Any room in a residence or student house is considered a public space as far as it pertains to the possession, consumption, growing and storage of cannabis”.
“Any suspicion that a student may be dealing in cannabis or any other illicit substance will be considered an imminent threat to the order and discipline of the residence and urgent danger to the mental or physical well-being of fellow students in residence, as it might link to organized crime.”
Although the university says it will deal with cannabis offences internally, it reserved the right to involve SAPS.
The guidelines, also update smoking regulations, prohibiting the consumption of THC.
The guidelines were introduced by the acting dean for students, Dr Leslie van Rooi, to deal with ‘substance misconduct’ generally. There are also restrictions on alcohol use and rules as to where alcohol may be consumed on campus.
Meanwhile Academics are Getting Deep into Cannabis Science
The cannabis consumption guidelines are intended to control student behaviour. On an academic level, Stellenbosch scientists are breaking new barriers in the study of cannabis – the work by Dr Magriet Muller and her team in discovering flavalkaloids in plant leaves, was recently published in Science Daily after gaining international recognition for their work.
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