The Foundation for the Rights of Expression and Equality (FreeSA) has given Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi 14 days to justify the ban on food items containing hemp and Cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is an essential component of medicinal marijuana and is derived from the hemp plant.
FreeSA is calling for transparency and public consultation on the matter, while at least two local shops selling hemp products have confirmed they have not participated in any public discussion on the issue.
Motsoaledi recently published regulations concerning the prohibition of the sale, importation, and manufacture of foodstuffs containing any part of the Cannabis Sativa L plant or components derived from it, including hemp, hemp seed oil, or hemp seed flour.
In a letter sent to the minister, which The Witness has seen, the civil rights group expressed serious concerns about the apparent lack of public consultation before the regulations were enacted.
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