Cannabis Derived Medicine
The legal framework pertaining to cannabis-derived medicines in South Africa
Cannabidiol (CBD) containing medicines and processed products made from cannabis raw plant material, falling within the ambit of schedule 0 and meeting certain legal requirements, may currently be sold in open shops without registration.
We at Pharmalaw have been involved in the process which resulted in the exemption of these products from the operation of the Medicines Act. This initial exemption was followed by a rescheduling of these products in South Africa.
We have the necessary expertise to advise you regarding the legal framework pertaining to all aspects of cannabis containing medicines in South Africa.
The difference between licensing and registration pertaining to cannabis-containing medicines
Firstly, it is important to understand that registration refers to a medicine and licensing refers to a facility. Apart from cannabidiol (CBD) containing medicines and processed products made from cannabis raw plant material falling within the ambit of schedule 0, all cannabis derived medicines must be registered before sale, with exceptions. Facilities manufacturing, wholesaling, or distributing cannabis-derived medicines should be licensed.