Licensing

What do I actually need to operate?

Answer three questions and see the regulators, permits and risks that usually apply to that activity — then take it to an attorney.

Step 1 — your activity

Step 2 — medicinal claims?

Step 3 — will you sell or supply?

General information, not legal advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney–client relationship — that arises only when you engage an attorney. The law is in transition: confirm your position with an attorney before you act.

Review date pending. Legal status tracker

The regulators, briefly

SAHPRA

Medicinal cannabis cultivation, manufacture, wholesale and export require a section 22C licence under the Medicines and Related Substances Act 101 of 1965. Applications are technical and slow; security, quality systems and premises are assessed.

Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

Industrial hemp is grown under the agricultural permit system, with provincial involvement and THC-threshold monitoring.

CIPC and SARS

Company registration, tax registration and — where the cannabis business is conducted through a company — the ordinary company-law duties that come with it, including records and annual returns.

Municipality

Zoning, land-use consent and business licensing for the premises. A lease that permits agriculture does not automatically permit processing or retail.

Bring us the paperwork

Members can have a licence application pack, a lease and a supplier agreement reviewed before signing.

See membership