The Cannabis for Private Purposes Bill 2020 was introduced in South Africa to regulate the use, possession, and cultivation of cannabis for personal use. The bill was approved by the South African cabinet in September 2020 and is currently being considered by the Parliament.
The key provisions of the bill include:
- Individuals over the age of 18 may possess and cultivate cannabis for personal use.
- The amount of cannabis that an individual may possess and cultivate for personal use is limited to a specified amount.
- The use of cannabis in public places or in the presence of children is prohibited.
- The sale of cannabis is still prohibited, except for medical purposes or scientific research.
The bill also provides for the establishment of a Cannabis Regulatory Authority, which will be responsible for overseeing the licensing and regulation of cannabis for commercial purposes.
If the bill is passed, it will represent a significant shift in South Africa's approach to cannabis, which has been largely criminalized for many years. The bill aims to strike a balance between allowing for personal use while still controlling the harmful effects associated with drug use.