In a historic move, South Africa has fully legalized the cultivation, possession and use of cannabis by adults in private settings with the signing of the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act (CfPPA) by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday.
It comes just hours ahead of the country’s 2024 General election.
The sweeping new law represents a dramatic shift in cannabis policies for South Africa. It decriminalizes private adult-use and enables the establishment of a regulated cannabis industry in the coming years through amendments to various related legislations.
The official statement from the presidency said: The CfPPA regulates the cultivation, possession, and use of cannabis by adults in a private setting.
The CfPPA entirely removes cannabis from the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act. It will additionally trigger amendments to acts like the Medicines and Related Substances Act, the Plant Breeders Rights Act, and Plant Improvement Act – paving the way for commercial cultivation, manufacturing, and sale in the future.
While allowing personal cultivation and possession in private spaces, the law still prohibits any public use or dealing in cannabis outside of the to-be-established regulated industry.
The legislation also provides guidance on allowing medically prescribed administration of cannabis products to children, while implementing strict measures to protect youth from over-exposure and substance abuse.
