Cabinet welcomes withdrawal of law banning sale of cannabis food products

CAPE TOWN - Cabinet has welcomed the withdrawal of a law banning the sale of cannabis food products.

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni told a post-cabinet media briefing on Thursday that any ban should not go against the Constitutional Court’s decision on the personal use of cannabis.

Cabinet’s statement follows Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi’s decision to withdraw the regulations under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, prohibiting the sale, importation and manufacture of foodstuffs containing hemp and cannabis.

"Cabinet welcomed the withdrawal by the Department of Health of regulations banning the sale of hemp and cannabis food products. Whilst acknowledging the negative impact of the unregulated sale of hemp and cannabis food products and possible consumption by children, such regulations must be fully consulted and must not be in contempt of the constitutional court judgment."