South Africa bans hemp food products

On March 7, 2025, the Department of Health issued new regulations under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act of 1972, effectively banning the importation, manufacture, and sale of foodstuffs containing components derived from the Cannabis sativa L. plant, including hemp, hemp seed oil, and hemp seed flour.

This move has raised concerns among industry stakeholders, as it appears to contradict previous governmental initiatives aimed at promoting the commercial production of hemp and cannabis. In his February 2025 State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed intentions for South Africa to lead in the commercial production of these plants.