By Vanessa Jarvis-Findlay | 25 March 2025
Yesterday, the Presidency announced that the Department of Health will withdraw its proposed regulations banning the sale, importation, and manufacture of foodstuffs containing cannabis and hemp.
Let that sink in.
After weeks of confusion, anxiety, and growing frustration in the cannabis and plant-based food communities, we finally have a reprieve. A step in the right direction? Absolutely. But don’t roll the celebratory joint just yet—this is only the beginning of what needs to be a far more inclusive and intelligent process.
Let’s rewind: what actually happened?
President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that the Department of Health will engage in broader consultations before introducing new regulations. These proposals were initially set to clamp down hard on cannabis and hemp in food—banning everything from infused chocolates and cookies to wellness beverages and snack bars.
Why? According to the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, the concern lies with unregulated imported cannabis food products flooding the market and posing a health risk—particularly to minors.
A valid concern? Sure. But the proposed solution—an outright ban—was not only disproportionate, it threatened to erase an entire growing sector rooted in health, sustainability, and innovation.
This is personal. And it should be.
As someone who has survived cancer, radically transformed her life through a plant-based lifestyle, and opened South Africa’s first public cannabis café, I’ve seen what this plant can do. I’ve served thousands of customers who’ve chosen cannabis-infused wellness over pharmaceuticals, processed sugar, and alcohol. And I’ve witnessed the healing, hope, and joy that comes from conscious food created with intention and integrity.
To see that entire movement threatened by sweeping, poorly considered regulation? That’s not just frustrating. It’s infuriating.
Here’s what we need to remember:
Cannabis and hemp in food is not new. It’s part of traditional medicine, it’s legal in countless countries, and it’s a natural extension of the wellness movement.
Regulation doesn’t mean prohibition. It means standards, guidelines, education, and fair access—for both producers and consumers.
This isn’t just about health—it’s about power. There’s mounting concern that Big Pharma, Big Alcohol, and Big Tobacco may be quietly influencing these decisions. After all, cannabis is their competitor in more ways than one.
A cannabis-infused gummy is not the enemy.
Ultra-processed fast food, sugar-loaded snacks, and cheap liquor in every supermarket aisle do more damage in a day than a year’s worth of cannabis treats ever could. So let’s stop pretending this is about public health unless we’re willing to scrutinise all products through the same lens.
The silver lining? We’re being heard.
The withdrawal of the proposed regulations tells me that our voices—yours, mine, ours—matter. Whether you're a chef, grower, entrepreneur, patient, healer, or simply a curious consumer, you are part of the movement that’s shaping the future of cannabis in South Africa.
Let’s not lose momentum. Now is the time to show up, speak up, and demand legislation that is grounded in evidence, not fear.
Let’s build a cannabis culture rooted in wisdom, wellness, and responsibility. Together.
I’d love to hear your thoughts—have you been affected by the proposed foodstuff ban? Do you run a business or use cannabis for wellness? Let’s keep this conversation going.
Vanessa Jarvis-Findlay
Founder of NEKED | Cannabis Activist |Celebrity Vegan Chef
www.neked.co.za | @NEKEDinClarens
Comments