Does South Africa have a recreational use program?

No, South Africa does not have a recreational use program.

Does South Africa have a medical program?

Yes, medical cannabis is legal in South Africa. Access to legal cannabis is governed by a temporary rule in the medicinal marijuana space.

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) is in charge of regulating the use of the plant under the 2019 amendments to the Medicines and Related Substances Act of 1965. The amendments were intended to serve as a temporary measure while Parliament worked out the details of the next bill.

This amendment separates non-psychoactive CBD from intoxicating THC and places medications in specific schedules.

What are the rules for medical use?

As long as the supervising physician concludes that medicinal cannabis products might be helpful in treatment, they can be prescribed in South Africa for any condition.

Medical marijuana requests can be made by patients via licensed medical professionals who hold a license from SAHPRA. The medical professional is required to apply online to SAHPRA on behalf of their patient. Upon issuance of a prescription to the patient, pharmacists who are registered members of the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) may fill it.

What are the qualifying medical conditions for eligibility?

Any medical illness may be prescribed medicinal cannabis products if the supervising physician thinks it could help with treatment.

What are the medical program limits?

Adults who ask consent may use cannabis in private as long as it is grown and consumed in private.

Cannabis can only be personally possessed in private spaces in amounts no greater than 600 grams, and it is still illegal to transport or grow cannabis for commercial purposes.

What methods of use are permitted under the medical program?

There are no clear medical rules available.

Is there home delivery for medical cannabis?

There are no clear medical rules available.

Is CBD legal in South Africa?

Yes, CBD is legal in South Africa.

THC-containing cannabis is classified as a Schedule 6 substance, meaning that products need to be registered with SAHPRA and obtained from a licensed dispensary if the patient has a prescription from a doctor and a Department of Health authorization.

If products contain less than 20 milligrams of CBD, they can be purchased with a standard prescription and are classified as Schedule 4 drugs. Individuals can acquire CBD products with less than 0.001% THC without a prescription.

Is cannabis decriminalized in South Africa?

Yes, cannabis is decriminalized in South Africa. The South African Constitutional Court decriminalized the use and production of cannabis in private on September 18, 2018.

However, the purchase and sale of cannabis oil and seeds are still prohibited, despite the decriminalization of private cannabis use. You face a maximum 25-year prison term if you are found engaging in trafficking.