South Africa is currently on a short list of countries that have adopted a national measure to legalize adult-use cannabis, along with Uruguay, Canada, Malta, Luxembourg, Germany, and the Czech Republic. It is worth noting that Czechia’s recreational cannabis legalization measure does not take effect until January 1st, 2026.

To date, South Africa’s Agriculture Department has approved over 1,400 medical cannabis production permits, and the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority has issued 120 licenses for medical cannabis product exports. The next frontier for South Africa’s emerging cannabis industry is regulated adult use sales.

The country’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) is tasked with modernizing the nation’s industry regulations to help remove unnecessary burdens facing the cannabis industry. The dtic recently highlighted its role in implementing South Africa’s National Cannabis Master Plan.

“South Africa is establishing itself as an emerging leader in the global hemp and cannabis industry by utilising its natural strengths and the increasing momentum of the private sector. The country is transitioning towards a fully regulated, economically driven cannabis and hemp industry, focusing on harmonising laws, boosting local cultivation, and creating export opportunities – all while emphasising public health and safety.” the dtic wrote in a recently published media statement.

“Recent legislation, including the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act signed in 2024, lays the groundwork for legal cultivation and private use. However, commercial trade still faces regulatory hurdles, which are gradually being addressed. The commercialisation of hemp and cannabis in South Africa is advancing, with the dtic already consulting national and provincial departments, as well as industry stakeholders through preliminary consultation geared development of a commercialisation policy.” the dtic also wrote.

As is the case with every legal jurisdiction’s emerging industry, South Africa’s cannabis industry will never reach its full potential and displace the unregulated domestic market until sensible regulations are established. South Africa’s push for a modernized industry framework has taken longer than expected, but hopefully the wait will be worth it.

“The Hemp and Cannabis Commercialisation Policy is expected to be ready for Cabinet approval and public comment by April 2026. An Overarching Cannabis Bill is also in development to unify existing regulations, including the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act, 2024. This Bill, which will cover private use, commercial cultivation, manufacturing and research, is set to be presented to Parliament by mid-2027.” the dtic stated about its expected timeline.

“As the dtic and chair of the IMC through the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Minister Parks Tau, the department has committed to support the industry through trade remedies, export opportunities, industry standards and compliance, combacting illicit trade and access to funding for the downstream activities.” the dtic also stated. “Initiatives like the dtic’s Agro-Processing Support Scheme (APSS) offer grants of up to R20 million to stimulate investment in agro-processing, job creation, and transformation.”

“The hemp and cannabis industry employs over 90 000 people in South Africa. Favourable climate conditions, rising demand for medicinal products, and initiatives like the National Cannabis Master Plan contribute to the sector’s growth. Medicinal cannabis was legalised in 2017, with private use decriminalised in 2018, and the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act enacted into law by President Ramaphosa on 28 May 2024.” the dtic concluded.