Thanks to Cannabiz Africa
The Department of Health (DoH) called on the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) to come up with an evidence-based set of regulations that would govern cannabis foodstuffs, more popularly known as edibles.
The SAMRC guidelines, which were presented last September to the inter-ministerial committee guiding the NCMP last year, were unveiled to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition (TIC) on 6 March 2026 during a series of presentations on cannabis commercialization recommendations.
Introduced by DoH deputy director general Dr Anban Pillay (Editors note: yes, the same Dr Pillay who told Parliament in 2022 that cannabis had no nutritional value, and somehow survived his involvement in the Digital Vibes health marketing fund scaml for which he served a three month suspension), the SAMRC’s researchers took MP’s and senior government officials on a tour of the edibles landscape and how it should be regulated.
Key Recommendations by SAMRC on Edibles Regulations
Regulatory Board: The establishment of a body to monitor sales of edibles products, ensure products are sold by authorized/licensed retailers – and to prevent excessive amounts of THC in products.
THC Potency Taxation: A higher tax based on THC strength would incentivize lower potency options, and discourage the production and consumption of ultra-high THC products, nudging consumers towards lower-risk alternatives.
Monitoring and Enforcement: Establish a national registry as has been done in Thailand, and inspection system for edibles producers to ensure compliance and accountability.
Marketing/Advertising Practices: Enforce strict marketing bans and promotional standards, perhaps even a total ban on celebrity endorsements or lifestyle branding in order to minimize youth appeal. This is to discourage irresponsible consumption and the targeting of children, teenagers and young adults.
Read the full report
