Cannabis Regulation in South Africa
Purpose: This compliance navigator serves as a reference tool to help stakeholders identify which regulatory bodies govern different cannabis activities, understand applicable legislation, and access direct pathways to licenses, permits, and regulatory information.
📋 Scope of this Navigator
This infographic outlines the current cannabis regulatory framework in South Africa, covering key authorities, compliance pathways, legislative milestones, and operational requirements for various cannabis-related activities.
🔍 How to Use
Navigate compliance through understanding applicable legislation, identifying relevant regulatory authorities, securing necessary permits, and maintaining alignment with evolving regulatory requirements across different cannabis activity categories.
🎯 Objective
To support stakeholders in the cannabis industry — cultivators, processors, researchers, and distributors — in achieving full regulatory compliance with South Africa's evolving legislative landscape.
Key Regulatory Authorities
Quality assurance and compliance
Regulated agricultural production
Pharmaceutical development
Quality assurance & licensing
Steps to Regulatory Compliance
Understand Applicable Legislation
Identify which laws apply to your specific cannabis activity. South Africa's regulation involves multiple legislative instruments.
- Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act (140 of 1992) ↗ – Cannabis listed in Schedule 2; amended by Cannabis for Private Purposes Act 2024
- Medicines and Related Substances Act (101 of 1965) ↗ – Controls scheduling, manufacture & supply of medicinal cannabis
- Plant Improvement Act (53 of 1976) ↗ – Governs industrial hemp cultivation permits
- Cannabis for Private Purposes Act (7 of 2024) ↗ – Decriminalises private adult cultivation and use
Define Your Activity Scope
Determine your operational focus: industrial hemp, medical products, commercial cultivation, research, or processing.
- Medical Cannabis – Requires Section 22C(1)(b) license from SAHPRA ↗ + Section 22A(9)(a)(i) permit from DoH/SAHPRA
- Industrial Hemp – DoA permit required ↗ for cultivation of cannabis with ≤0.2% THC content
- Research Activities – Coordinated through appropriate regulatory bodies; typically SAHPRA and DoH
- Commercial Processing – Multi-authority oversight required; consult SAHPRA and DoA
Secure Required Permits
Obtain all necessary permits from relevant authorities before commencing operations.
- Section 22C(1)(b) License Application ↗ – For cultivation, manufacture, or import of medicinal cannabis (submit to: [email protected])
- Section 22A(9)(a)(i) Permit (DoH/SAHPRA) – Required for manufacture, possession, use or supply of Schedule 6 / Schedule 7 cannabis substances
- Section 21 Application ↗ – For unregistered medical cannabis prescribed by doctors for specific patients
- DoA Hemp Permit (HP-Form-001) ↗ – For industrial hemp cultivation (≤0.2% THC) under Plant Improvement Act
Monitor Regulatory Updates
Stay informed about changes in cannabis legislation and regulatory guidance.
- SAHPRA Website ↗ – Official notices & guideline updates
- Government Gazettes ↗ – All legislative changes published here
- Parliamentary Monitoring Group ↗ – Bill tracking and committee reports
- Industry Associations – Compliance updates, advocacy, and peer networks
⚖️ Cannabis for Private Purposes Act (7 of 2024)
The Cannabis for Private Purposes Act decriminalises the private cultivation and use of cannabis by adults in private spaces. It does not legalise commercial trade. Trafficking, supply, and commercialisation remain regulated activities requiring appropriate permits and licensing.
📂 Quick Reference Resources
SAHPRA – Medical Cannabis
Regulatory Evolution Overview
Cannabis Regulation Timeline in South Africa
Medicines and Related Substances Act
Act 101 of 1965 amended to include cannabis-derived substances under scheduling framework, establishing SAHPRA's regulatory authority over pharmaceutical cannabis.
View Act 101 of 1965Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act (140 of 1992)
Cannabis listed in Schedule 2 of this Act, establishing the criminal framework for cannabis. This Act continues to govern trafficking and commercial offences.
View Act 140 of 1992Constitutional Court Ruling – Prince Case
Landmark judgment decriminalising private adult use and cultivation of cannabis. The Constitutional Court gave Parliament 24 months to remedy legislative defects.
Read Court JudgmentMedical Cannabis Cultivation Licences Issued
The Department of Health issued first commercial licences for medical cannabis cultivation, marking the beginning of South Africa's regulated medical cannabis industry.
DoH Cannabis LicensingSAHPRA Medical Cannabis Cultivation Guidelines
SAHPRA published detailed cultivation guidelines for licensed operators, establishing GMP standards, security requirements, and compliance inspection protocols.
View SAHPRA GuidelinesIndustrial Hemp Framework Consolidated
The DoA consolidated its hemp permit system under the Plant Improvement Act, formalising the ≤0.2% THC threshold for industrial hemp and streamlining the HP-Form-001 application process.
DoA Hemp GuidelinesCannabis for Private Purposes Act (7 of 2024)
Signed into law, formally decriminalising private cannabis use and cultivation by adults in private spaces. Commercial trade and supply remain controlled activities.
View Act 7 of 2024Continued Regulatory Development
Ongoing public consultation processes and regulatory amendments are in progress. Stakeholders are encouraged to monitor government gazettes and SAHPRA bulletins for the latest updates.
Government Gazettes