SAPHRA Is Not Issuing Marijuana Medical Cards: Not Yet

Rumors have been circulating in South Africa, claiming that the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAPHRA) is now issuing medical cards for cannabis. However, these claims are unfounded and are the work of malicious individuals seeking to exploit vulnerable patients. Despite the speculation, there is currently no provision for medical cannabis cards in South Africa.

The legalization landscape in South Africa has seen significant changes, particularly with the decriminalization of cannabis through the Private Use Bill. Under this legislation, individuals are permitted to cultivate cannabis for personal use, but selling cannabis locally remains illegal. Furthermore, companies can apply for licenses to grow cannabis for export, although stringent standards, such as cGMP requirements for export, pose significant challenges.

However, the situation regarding medical cannabis in South Africa remains complex. Technically, South African doctors can prescribe medical cannabis products to patients. But with no registered South African cannabis medicines and a lengthy registration process, patients must rely on imported products, which are both limited and costly. Additionally, the scarcity of  doctors sufficiently trained to prescribe cannabis further compounds the issue..

Despite these legal changes, illegal cannabis dispensaries continue to operate in South Africa, often with little interference from law enforcement. With the absence of legal cannabis pharmacies, medical users are left with limited options, either importing expensive cannabis products or growing their own supply at home. Additionally, patients may access cannabis through private social clubs, known as dagga clubs, although the legality of such clubs remains uncertain.

The road to widespread medical cannabis access in South Africa faces several obstacles. Firstly, doctors lack adequate training to prescribe medical cannabis effectively. Secondly, the absence of medical cannabis dispensaries and appropriate products further complicates the situation. Although discussions around medical cannabis cards have not been on SAPHRA's agenda, the pending Private Use Bill presents an opportunity for significant regulatory change.

As it stands, cannabis remains prohibited under the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act in South Africa. However, the Private Use Bill, which has passed through parliament and awaits the president's signature, could potentially alter the legal landscape surrounding cannabis. Once signed into law, the bill has the potential to remove cannabis from the purview of the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act, paving the way for comprehensive cannabis reform in South Africa.