Details of New Bhang Law Ramaphosa Signed Hours to South Africa’s Election

South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act (“CfPPA”) which regulates the cultivation, possession, and use of cannabis by adults in a private setting.

The signing occurred on May 28, 2024, hours before South Africans were set to vote in the national and provincial elections on Wednesday May 29.  

Ramaphosa said criminal sanction for the private use of bhang will be abolished in the new law. 

“The consequent regulatory reform enabled by the CfPPA will, amongst others, entirely remove cannabis from the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act,” read a statement in part.

Ramaphosa Signs Bhang Legalization into Law

Following the new law, adults in South Africa who the Constitution deems as any person 18 years or older, can now grow, possess, and smoke dagga (cannabis) privately in their homes without fear of being arrested.

“This will further enable amendment of the Schedules to the Medicines and Related Substances Act and provide for targeted regulatory reform of the Plant Breeders Rights Act and the Plant Improvement Act, as well as other pieces of legislation that require amendment to allow for the industrialization of the cannabis sector,” Ramaphosa said.

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Furthermore, the law provides guidance on the safe medical prescription of cannabis products to children also noting that dealing in cannabis remains prohibited.

“The Bill further guides the medically prescribed administration of cannabis to a child while also protecting minors from undue exposure to cannabis,” the statement further read.

“It provides for an alternative manner by which to address the issue of the prohibited use, possession of, or dealing in, cannabis by children, with due regard to the best interest of the child. It also prohibits the dealing in cannabis.”

Ramaphosa Slammed by Critics, Faces Party Worst Election

However, the African National Congress (ANC) presidential candidate has faced criticism from the opposition side who have labelled the move as “audacious”.

Critics have argued that signing into law the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act could potentially be President Cyril Ramaphosa’s last act as head of state.

Former Democratic Alliance (DA) MP, Phumzile Van Damme questioned Ramaphosa’s move just a day before the elections.

Also Read: Uhuru Meets Police, Church Leaders Hours to South Africa Elections

“Did this guy just legalize marijuana the day before an election? I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. It’s bold. It’s mind-blowing. Tell you what? South Africa is a movie. A film. A biskop. I am floored,” Van Damme posted on X.

Ramaphosa has struggled to lift economic growth, make a dent in high unemployment with a third of South Africans jobless, or end crippling power cuts – all of which voters are expected to punish the ANC for at the ballot box.

According to recent opinion polls, ANC could lose its majority for the first time in 30 years and the 71-year-old Ramaphosa is less likely to see a second term in office.

Ramaphosa and the ANC are struggling to keep their parliamentary majority, with several opinion polls showing the party’s support at less than 50% ahead of Wednesday’s election.

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