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 to create 10,000 to 25,000 jobs across the value chain, according to the national government’s own estimates”, he said.
He said that the Western Cape Cannabis Framework and Implementation Plan (CanPlan) provided a roadmap for the development of the cannabis and hemp industries in the province.
“The CanPlan, which is aligned with the key objectives of the National Cannabis Master Plan, should contribute to economic development, job creation, rural development and poverty alleviation.”
In his recent State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the South African government aimed to lead the way in commercially producing hemp and cannabis.
“We are making sustainable use of the rich abundance of the South African earth. By supporting our farmers, improving our logistics network and rural supply chains, and opening new export markets for products we can significantly expand our agricultural sector. We want South Africa to be leading in the commercial production of hemp and cannabis,” the president said.
However, Motsoaledi imposed the ban under regulations that fall under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act.
The department issued a notice in the Government Gazette earlier this month. The ban applies to any part of the plant or component of cannabis, including Sativa, Indica, Ruderalis, hemp seed oil, or powder derivatives from the various species or sub-species.
Any person who is found guilty of breaking the law may be liable to a fine or imprisonment.
Meyer urged the department to reconsider the ban and instead support the hemp industry.
“The ill-considered move by the national Department of Health will harm economic growth and jobs at a time when the government should be fostering growth and providing regulatory clarity for the cannabis and hemp industries,” he said.
Pro-cannabis groups have also spoken out against the ban, with some saying that while they understand the need for safety regulations, the department is being extreme.
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