The news of the Health Minister's ban on edibles in all their forms has spread like wildfire through the cannabis industry, eliciting shock and bewilderment as to what has been perceived as a spectacular ‘own goal’.

Announcement at Odds with Government Policy

What many greeted as fake news, has been confirmed as grim reality.

The Department of Health gazetted a notice on 7 March 2025 under the 1972 Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act “prohibiting the sale, import or manufacture of all foodstuffs containing any part of/component derived from the cannabis and/or hemp genus, Cannabis Sativa L. The ban also applies to hemp seed oil and hemp seed flour with ingredients derived from Cannabis Sativa L.”

The Health Ministry’s announcement is clearly at odds with the Presidency’s cannabis vision and undermines the Department of Agriculture’s priority to develop a hemp value chain in which it identified the development of hemp-based foodstuff as a priority.

Cannabiz Africa understands that the hemp commercialization policy being drafted by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition has also identified the potential of hemp to be used as a nutritional supplement in the commercial sphere.

Minister Motsoaledi’s announcement comes without any consultation with non-government stakeholders and throws into confusion as to who is actually in charge of hemp policy.

Health Minister Undermines National Cannabis Master Plan

In terms of the National Cannabis Master Plan, cannabis is to be classified as an agricultural product under the control of the Department of Agriculture. Last year President Ramaphosa handed over the reins to DTIC minister Parks Tau to fast track the Master Plan, with particular focus on the industrial cannabis sector.

State entities such as the CSIR have incubated several ‘township’ businesses to develop hemp-based food products (incuding hemp beer), while private sector stakeholders such as Druids Garden, have had a long-standing project to develop hemp-based foodstuffs for feeding schemes.

Health Ministry Bans Superfood

The Minister of Health has in fact banned a ‘superfood’ at a time when South Africa is facing a nutritional crisis, which in itself needs some digesting.

Cannabis has been identified as a super-food, because it is:

·       Nutrient-Dense: rich in protien, omega 3 and omega 6, fibre and minerals

·       Complete Protein: contains all nine amino acids

·       Heart-Healthy: Produces good cholesterol and reduces inflammation

·       Easily Digestible: Hemp protein is easily absorbed by the body

·       THC-Free: Contains minimal THC with no psycho-active effects

The ban also has widespread implications for the supplementary and complementary medicines market as edibles have been the fastest growing sector in this space.

The ban is unlikely to deter growing consumer demand for cannabis edibles for health and recreational purposes. The burgeoning ‘grey zone’ is already operating beyond the regulator with thousands of cannabis outlets in business in defiance of the law. Edibles is one of the fastest growing cannabis consumer categories and is likely to continue on this trajectory as is happening internationally.

Instead the ban is likely to have the most impact on the very sector the Government is purporting to want to help – the rural poor who it is encouraging to grow hemp without offering them a market for their product.

At the time of going to press, the Minister had made no media announcement explaining his decision and several organizations were preparing media releases on the subject, with off the record comments displaying anger and incredulity at the Health Minister’s action.

What Does the Hemp-based Foods Market Consist Of?

The hemp-based foods market consists of a variety of edible products derived from the hemp plant Cannabis sativa. These food include seeds, oil, protein powder, milk, and derived products such as snacks, beverages, and baked goods.

Hemp-based food are rich in nutrients such as protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which offer numerous health benefits, including supporting heart health, digestion, and overall wellness.

In addition, hemp is a sustainable crop that requires minimal water and pesticides, making it environmentally friendly compared to many conventional crops.

Growth in consumer interest in plant-based diets, coupled with increase in awareness of the nutritional benefits of hemp drive the hemp-based foods market growth.

Moreover, regulatory changes favouring the legalization of hemp cultivation and the relaxation of restrictions on hemp-derived products in several regions further drive hemp based foods industry expansion.

The hemp-based food market represents a growing segment within the broader health food industry, catering to health-conscious consumers seeking nutritious, sustainable, and plant-based dietary options. 

#