Western Cape slams cannabis ban, warns of job losses

By Levy Masiteng 

Western Cape agriculture, economic development and tourism MEC Ivan Meyer has condemned the national Health Department’s ban on the sale of cannabis- and hemp-infused food products. 

This follows Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi banning the sale, importation and manufacturing of foodstuffs containing cannabis, hemp, hemp seed oil or hemp seed flour. 

Meyer said on Thursday that the ban would not only stifle the growth of the cannabis and hemp industries, but also harm economic growth and job creation in the Western Cape.

“The criminalisation of the sale of cannabis- and hemp-infused food products is not just a threat to jobs, it’s a direct assault on economic growth and job creation,” he warned in a statement.

Meyer contended that the decision would have far-reaching consequences, including job losses, economic harm and restrained growth. 

“The cannabis industry in South Africa has a staggering potential size of R28 billion, with the capacity