South Africa's Health Minister plans to lift a controversial ban on hemp and cannabis products after public outcry.

South Africa's Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi plans to withdraw the recent ban on the sale, importation, and manufacture of foodstuffs containing hemp and cannabis, following public outcry and support from President Cyril Ramaphosa for more stakeholder consultations. The ban, which sparked controversy and threatened legal action from the cannabis industry, was seen as contradicting the country's economic goals and job creation plans within the cannabis sector. The Department of Health will now engage in broader consultation before releasing revised regulations.