Growers and activists are gearing up for a court battle to compel the government to reverse its decision to ban the use of cannabis and hemp in foodstuff and cosmetic products. This follows Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi's announcement in a recent Government Gazette criminalizing the use of the substance.
The promulgated law stated no one may sell, manufacture or import processed or unprocessed, foodstuff containing any part of the plant or component derived from the genus Cannabis sativa, or hemp seed oil or powder derived from the genus Cannabis sativa and various species or its subspecies.
According to the new law, any person found selling, importing, or manufacturing foodstuff containing the prohibited substances would be guilty of an offense and liable on conviction to a fine or imprisonment.
Hennie Venter, CEO of Cannabisness and managing director of HempCare, said, on behalf of the growers, he was preparing for a legal battle to compel the government to reverse its decision.
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