DA opposes ban on cannabis-based foodstuffs

VAAL TRIANGLE - The DA says it strongly opposes Health minister Aaron Motsoaledi's decision to gazette regulations banning cannabis and hemp-derived foodstuffs. The regulations, in terms of the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act of 1972, bans any food with ingredients derived from cannabis, hemp seed oil, or hemp seed flour. The DA’s Michele Clarke says the ban threatens over 1,400 licensed businesses and 400 small, medium, and micro enterprises, impacting economic growth and job creation.

Meanwhile, the GOOD Party has called on president Cyril Ramaphosa to accelerate the National Cannabis Masterplan and halt the edibles ban. The party argues that policy uncertainty threatens nearly a million livelihoods, leaving traditional growers excluded while a few licensed businesses benefit. GOOD's Brett Herron says banning cannabis edibles won’t ensure safety and urges regulation instead. He warns that inconsistent policies are stifling the industry’s growth.