The president of South Africa has formally signed a measure making adult use, growing and possession of cannabis legal. Just one day before the national elections, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act (CfPPA) into law. The National Council of Provinces gave its support to the bill in February after it was enacted by the National Assembly in November 2023.
This legislative change has been in development for several years, beginning with a 2018 Constitutional Court ruling that declared the ban on marijuana cultivation and simple possession unconstitutional, requiring legislative amendments in two years. Although the bill to legalize cannabis was introduced in 2020, progress was slow despite the government’s intention to prioritize the cannabis sector for economic growth.
The president’s office announced in a news statement that the CfPPA will result in important regulatory changes, such as the exclusion of marijuana from the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act. To support the industrialization of the marijuana sector, this modification will also enable changes to the Plant Breeders Rights Act, the Medicines and Related Substances Act and the Plant Improvement Act, among other laws.
The office went on to say that the bill shields children from needless exposure while offering rules for medical cannabis use for youth. It ensures that minors’ best interests are taken into consideration by providing an alternate method for resolving instances involving the unlawful use, possession or sale of cannabis. The bill also strictly prohibits the commercial sale of cannabis.
Adults are required by the new regulation to cultivate their cannabis plants and to exclusively use them inside their own homes. Furthermore, prior convictions for cannabis possession and growing may be expunged under the legislation.
Speaking on behalf of the parliament, Moloto Mothapo stated that the government hopes that the measure will open the door for further rules that will aid in the growth of the legal cannabis industry in South Africa.
President Ramaphosa outlined his plan for South Africa to join the global medical cannabis and hemp markets in his 2022 State of the Nation speech, estimating that this might generate more than 100,000 jobs. However, the main goal of the present law is to decriminalize cannabis per the 2018 court verdict, which was made in response to a decision made by a lower court in the province of the Western Cape.
As in South Africa, the Supreme Court in Mexico declared in 2018 that the prohibition of marijuana is unconstitutional, forcing legislators to amend the legislation. Mexico has not yet fully implemented the reform despite recent sessions seeing some progress in this area.
The signs of the wave triggering change in marijuana policy in Africa as well suggests that major entities such as TerrAscend Corp. (TSX: TSND) (OTCQX: TSNDF) could in future have global markets to serve as the trade in this hitherto outlawed substance becomes more commonplace.
About CNW420
CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.
To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer
CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com
CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN
