Purpose of this Document
The Biodiversity Research and Permit section recently received several enquiries relating to permits relating to cannabis and hemp.
Please note that this Department is not the responsible authority for issuing any permits related to the cannabis nor hemp-related activities. The information below is provided for general guidance purposes only.
NCNCA permits
Applicants do not require a permit under the Northern Cape Nature Conservation Act no 9 of 2009 (NCNCA) for the cultivation of hemp or cannabis. A permit is required under the NCNCA if there is any removal or clearing of indigenous vegetation (plants) or where indigenous animals may be affected by such activities, for example such as the removal of birds and their nests.
Hemp permits
Hemp is a declared agricultural crop under the Plant Improvement Act no 53 of 1976. Permits for the cultivation of hemp can be applied for to the National Department of Agriculture. Application forms are available at: https://www.nda.gov.za/index.php/component/content/article/319-hemp-low-thc-cannabis-regulatory-system?catid=19&Itemid=437
Cannabis: Legal use
According to the Department of Justice and Correctional Services (Thorne, 2024):
- Legal use
- The private use, possession, and cultivation of a limited quantity of cannabis by an adult in a private place.
- Illegal use
- Buying and selling of cannabis.
- Private and social cannabis clubs.
- Giving cannabis to children.
- Using cannabis around children.
- Using cannabis in public or around non-consenting adults.
Cannabidiol (CBD) -containing products
For guidance on whether permits are requirements for Cannabidiol (CBD) containing products, please consult the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) Frequently asked questions pamphlet: https://www.sahpra.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Cannabis_and_related_substances_A5_final-1.pdf
Medicinal grade cannabis licences
Medicinal grade cannabis licences for the cultivation, manufacturing or importing of cannabis are issued by the SAHPRA. Please see the link for the form: https://www.sahpra.org.za/document/form-for-licence-application-to-cultivate-manufacture-or-import-cannabis-for-medicinal-purposes/
References:
- SAHPRA (no date) THC and CBD information, SAHPRA. South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA). Available at: https://www.sahpra.org.za/thc-and-cbd-information-page/ (Accessed: January 15, 2026)
- SAHPRA (no date) “Frequently asked questions: Cannabis and related substances.” Pretoria, South Africa: South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA). Available at: https://www.sahpra.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Cannabis_and_related_substances_A5_final-1.pdf (Accessed: January 16, 2026).
- Thorne, S. (2024) Cannabis use in South Africa: Government clears up confusion over buying, selling and social clubs, Business Tech. Business Tech. Available at: https://businesstech.co.za/news/government/746509/cannabis-use-in-south-africa-government-clears-up-confusion-over-buying-selling-and-social-clubs-2/ (Accessed: January 12, 2026).