I, the undersigned, support the Cannabis Commerce Forum (CCF), a registered Non-Profit Company (NPC) awaiting approval under the Non-Profit Organisations Act, 1997 (Act 71 of 1997), in its mission to advocate for the regulation of the retail cannabis sector in South Africa. We call on the South African government, including the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and the Department of Health and the Department of Trade and Industry, to establish a dedicated regulatory body to oversee the retail cannabis industry, in alignment with the Cannabis Master Plan’s objectives of legalization, economic inclusion, job creation, and consumer safety.

The retail cannabis sector faces significant challenges due to fragmented regulations and limited oversight, hindering lawful access, industry growth, and public safety. A dedicated regulatory body would:

• Standardize licensing and compliance for retail stores, ensuring consistency and transparency;
• Enhance consumer protection through regulated product quality and safe access to medical cannabis under Section 21 of the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 1965 (Act 101 of 1965);
• Support economic transformation by enabling small-scale and previously disadvantaged retailers to participate in a formalized market;
• Reduce illicit trade by fostering a lawful, inclusive cannabis economy;
• Enable continued usage data collection;
• Support an expansion of the private use of cannabis into the retail sector with identified control parameters.

By signing this petition, I express our support for CCF’s advocacy efforts and request formal membership in the CCF to access educational resources, advocacy updates, and community initiatives.