DA asks Ramaphosa to intervene in the prohibition of food infused by cannabis

Johannesburg – The Democratic Alliance (DA) is asking President Cyril Ramaphosa to intervene in the prohibition of cannabis foods, saying that it will cost the country financially.

The Minister of Health, Aaron Motsooledi, recently gazered regulations that prohibit the sale, import and manufacture of cannabis food products.

According to Michele Clarke, a DA Surpose on health, the prohibition ignores the public consultation and voices of companies and health experts.

Clark said the prohibition threatens with more than 1,400 licensed businesses and approximately 400 small, medium and micro (SMME) companies, putting jobs and economic growth at risk.

The world hemp seed market is currently valued at more than $ 5 billion and is expected to be doubled in 2032, with the food and beverage sector that boost much of the growth.

Clark added that South Africa must adapt what other countries like China have done, integrating hemp seeds into the food industry.

“With the rise of the global market of the hemp market, this regulation threatens the vibrant hemp industry of South Africa.”

The prosecutor’s call to reverse the prohibition occurs when Ramaphosa signed cannabis for private purposes acts in law in May 2024.

Read too: Cannabis community not surprised by the new ban on infused food products