South African cannabis policy: Policy reform must balance public health, economic interests, and social justice

In recent years, African nations have witnessed substantial transformations in cannabis policy and the associated discourses. Countries such as Zimbabwe, Ghana, and South Africa have taken significant steps by easing criminal sanctions and establishing legal markets for medicinal and industrial purposes. Notably, South Africa has also legalised the private production of cannabis for personal use. In countries such as Kenya and Nigeria, cannabis prohibition remains firmly in place, though there is a growing and vigorous debate surrounding these policies. These changes in Africa parallel global reforms; however, the specific dynamics and nuances of cannabis policy in Africa remain distinctive and largely under-researched.As part of the Cannabis Africana project, a policy workshop was convened in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2022 and another at Drug Policy Week in 2023. These workshops were organized in collaboration with key stakeholders and activists, including Fields of Green for ALL. It brought together a wide array of participants, including prominent policymakers, practitioners involved in drug control, members of civil society, cannabis farmers, and community groups. The discussions and findings from these workshops have been instrumental in informing the basis of this policy brief, contributing to a deeper understanding and nuanced perspective on cannabis policy in South Africa.