South Africa: Cannabis Laws
Last updated: June 18, 2026
Legal notice: This page is informational only and not legal advice. Laws and commencement provisions may change--always verify on official government sources linked below. See our Legal Disclaimer & No-Warranty.
Current Framework (High Level)
- Private adult use/possession/cultivation: Decriminalised by the Constitutional Court (2018) for personal consumption in private.
- Cannabis for Private Purposes Act, 2024 (Act 7 of 2024): Establishes a statutory framework for private use/possession/cultivation and related matters. Commencement occurs by presidential proclamation in the Government Gazette; specific provisions may commence on different dates.
- Dealing/supply & public use: Prohibited. Trafficking and commercial dealing remain criminal offences.
What This Means Practically
- Private spaces: Adults may use/possess/cultivate for personal consumption in private within thresholds to be set/clarified under the Act and regulations.
- Not permitted: Public consumption, selling/supplying, and trafficking remain illegal.
- Driving: Do not drive while impaired; enforcement may include traffic legislation and evidentiary standards.
For safe behavior guidance, see the Responsible Use Guide. For our verification methods, see How We Fact-Check and Editorial Standards.
Verify on Official Sources
- Act 7 of 2024: Government and Parliament links below provide the text and context of the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act.
- 2018 Judgment: The Constitutional Court's official judgment and order explain the privacy-based decriminalisation.
- Updates: Watch the Government Gazette for commencement proclamations.
Keep Current
- Track notable changes on Research Updates.
- Compare with other jurisdictions in Cannabis Laws by Country & Region.