Government Rejects Commercial Cannabis Cultivation for Medicinal Use As South Africa Legalizes Private Consumption

The Health and Social Services minister has decided against legalizing commercial cannabis cultivation for medicinal purposes, citing the effectiveness of current treatments. According to The Brief, Minister Dr. Kalumbi Shangula stated that existing medications delivered through intramuscular or intravenous methods are adequate for pain management. This decision follows a directive from the Cabinet in 2022 to investigate the demand and health risks associated with medicinal cannabis. Meanwhile, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act into law, allowing private use of cannabis but maintaining prohibitions on dealing with it.