The announcement from the Presidency confirming the withdrawal of the proposed Foodstuffs Act regulations aimed at prohibiting the sale, importation, and manufacture of food products containing cannabis and hemp in South Africa has been welcomed.
Vanessa Jarvis-Findlay welcomes this announcement. She is the founder of the NEKED Cannabis Café. Vanessa is also a South African Music Award (Sama) award-winning executive producer, vegan chef, and cannabis activist.
“This decision reflects not only the value of broad stakeholder consultation but also the importance of public participation in shaping progressive cannabis policy – especially in a country where traditional and indigenous knowledge systems, natural healing, and the emerging wellness economy all intersect with the use of this powerful plant,” said Jarvis-Findlay.
Photo Credit: Let’s Talk Hemp
“While the Department of Health has raised concerns about imported cannabis and hemp food products, it is essential to distinguish between legitimate public health concerns and the protectionist interests of corporate giants who stand to lose from cannabis’ growing popularity and efficacy.”
Jarvis-Findlay, a cancer survivor, founded South Africa’s first cannabis café, and witnessed the extraordinary benefits of cannabis firsthand.
“I urge the department to approach this next round of consultation with a clear mandate: to create pragmatic, inclusive, and evidence-based policy, not fear-driven prohibition.”
Jarvis-Findlay adds, “Let’s be clear: Hemp and cannabis food products do not pose the same health risks as alcohol, tobacco, or ultra-processed foods that are widely available in every supermarket.
“The wellness, health, and plant-based food sectors have demonstrated that cannabis-infused products can be responsibly manufactured and consumed, particularly when local entrepreneurs are empowered with fair and informed regulation. The emerging cannabis food economy holds massive potential for rural development, local agriculture, and sustainable industry growth – something South Africa desperately needs.
“We cannot allow corporate influence, foreign trade pressure, or outdated narratives to dictate the future of cannabis in South Africa. This withdrawal is a small but significant victory for cannabis activists, ethical entrepreneurs, and conscious consumers across the country. However, the work is far from over. Now, more than ever, we need intelligent, transparent dialogue and meaningful inclusion of voices from the ground – growers, chefs, traditional healers, entrepreneurs, and patients. The future of cannabis in South Africa depends on it.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.