South Africa declassifies cannabis, reclassifies CBD and THC

South Africa has decided to remove the cannabis plant from the list of controlled substances, but has classified CBD and THC in a way that allows their use under certain conditions.

The country has also exempted industrial hemp from medical regulation, but has set the THC level in the plant at 0.2% and in finished products at 0.001%, effectively limiting its potential uses.

CBD as a dietary supplement and a medication

CBD is considered both a dietary supplement and a medication.  It is listed in Schedule 4 of the Controlled Substances List and requires a prescription, except when it is packaged in containers containing 600 mg or less of CBD and limited to a maximum dose of 20 mg per day, in which case it is then regulated in addition to Appendix 0.

The Annex includes many over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin, and dietary supplements, such as vitamins. This classification means, however, that only products manufactured in accordance with GMP standards will be authorized, and only when the producers are registered as drug manufacturers and the products themselves are registered with the South African Health Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA).

THC and Industrial Hemp

The classification of THC under Schedule 4 paves the way for a medical cannabis industry in South Africa.

The cannabis plant was removed from Schedule 7—which is reserved for strictly controlled substances—and quickly came under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Agriculture.

It thus exempts industrial hemp from classification, but sets the limit for this exemption at 0.2%—a very low threshold that is more in line with European conditions than with those in South Africa. Malawi For example, it has set its limit at 1% of THC to promote local varieties and foster a hemp industry.

Processed products, on the other hand, will have a THC limit set at just 0.001%, whether they are fibers or food products.