DRAFT Cannabis Regulations

DRAFT CANNABIS FOR PRIVATE PURPOSES REGULATIONS, 2025

A short summary of the numerical limits and conduct rules for possession, cultivation, and transport.
References relate to the Draft Cannabis for Private Purposes Regulations.

Possession
Cultivation
Transport
Driver
Passenger
Prohibition

Possession (Private Place)

750g

Maximum allowed in a private place for private purpose.

Limit applies “at any given time during a single day”.

[Reg 2(1)]

Possession (Public Place)

750g

Maximum allowed in a public place for private purpose.

Same limit as private place.

[Reg 2(2)]

Cultivation (Private Place)

5 Plants

Maximum per adult in a private place, regardless of plant size, shape, or strain.

[Reg 3]

Transport (Quantity Limit)

750g

Cumulative maximum an adult may transport at any given time during a single day. Includes plant material not removed from the plant.
[Reg 4]

Boot / Trunk / Enclosed:
Cannabis must be concealed in the boot or an enclosed compartment.
[Reg 5(1)(a)]
Container:
If no boot is available, use a container structured to conceal contents from public view.
[Reg 5(1)(b)]
Covered:
If storage isn’t enclosable, cannabis must be covered so it is completely concealed.
[Reg 5(1)(c)]

Driver Obligations

1. Notify: Driver must tell passengers they are carrying cannabis before the passenger enters. [Reg 5(4)(a)]

2. Verify: If a passenger declares cannabis, the driver must verify the amount is legal. [Reg 5(4)(b)]

3. Refusal: Driver may refuse entry if a passenger refuses inspection of their cannabis. [Reg 5(5)(b)]

Passenger Obligations

1. Concealment: Keep cannabis in luggage/bag or in the vehicle’s enclosed storage, hidden from public view. [Reg 6(1)]

2. Notification: Must notify the driver before getting in that they are carrying cannabis. [Reg 6(4)(b)]

3. Refusal: Passenger may refuse to enter if the driver is transporting excess amounts. [Reg 6(5)(b)]

Strict Prohibitions (On Public Roads)

No Mixing: Do not mix cannabis with other substances (or possess mixed cannabis) while on a public road.
[Reg 5(3)(a)]
No Handling: Do not handle, hold, examine, or inspect cannabis while transporting.
[Reg 5(3)(b)]
No Revealing: Do not reveal to others (outside the vehicle) that the vehicle is transporting cannabis.
[Reg 6(3)(c)]

The details of where to submit comments are in the PDF document of the draft Regulations: Draft Cannabis Regulations

Disclaimer: Images are for illustrative purposes only. The information provided in this blog post is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the content, laws and regulations in South Africa are subject to change and interpretation.

The author accepts no liability for any loss or damage that may arise from reliance on information contained in this blog. This post is not a substitute for professional legal counsel.

While the author(s) holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree, they are not a practising attorney or advocate. Reading this blog does not create a lawyer-client relationship. The law changes frequently, and information here may not reflect the most current legal developments. You should always consult with a qualified legal practitioner for advice specific to your situation.

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