South Africa has made a big move toward legalizing cannabis with President Cyril Ramaphosa signing the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act (CfPPA) on 28 May 22024.
This new law removes cannabis from the list of banned substances under the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act, opening the door for new rules that will help develop the cannabis industry.
The CfPPA mainly covers how adults can grow, have, and use cannabis in private, as per the presidency release. By taking cannabis off the banned substances list, the law allows changes to other important laws, like those related to medicines and plant breeding, which will support the growing cannabis industry in South Africa.
The Act also sets rules for giving medical cannabis to children, making sure they are protected. It provides different ways to handle cases where children use or possess cannabis illegally, always keeping the child’s best interests in mind. Importantly, the Act forbids selling cannabis, ensuring that its use remains controlled and regulated.
The changes brought by the CfPPA aim to boost the cannabis sector, helping it contribute to the economy while keeping strict rules to protect public health and safety. This move is expected to grow the cannabis industry, encouraging new ideas and creating job opportunities in South Africa.
President Ramaphosa’s signing of the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act is a significant step for cannabis legalization in South Africa. This law allows adults to grow, possess, and use cannabis privately and sets up a regulated and industrialized cannabis sector.
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