With President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent signing of legislation legalizing cannabis for personal use, legal professionals in South Africa are gearing up to navigate the regulatory landscape surrounding a nascent industry estimated to be worth at least $1.5 billion. The Cannabis for Private Purposes Act of 2024 addresses possession, cultivation, and personal use of cannabis, though selling it remains illegal with penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment or fines for dealing.
This legislative shift aligns South Africa with a growing number of African countries revising their cannabis laws, influenced by changes in European nations such as Germany, Malta, and Belgium. For a more detailed look at the ramifications for South African law firms, see the full article here.