Is CBD legal in South Africa?

Is CBD legal in South Africa? Legal framework in brief

• CBD is, in principle, a Schedule 4 substance under South African medicines law. Schedule 4 medicines are available on prescription only.
• There is a specific exemption for certain low-dose CBD products. These can fall under Schedule 0 and be sold without prescription. The main framework has applied since 22.05.2020 (Government Gazette 43347). (gov.za, sahpra.org.za)
• Schedule 0 CBD is only permitted if one of the following applies:
  • The recommended maximum daily dose is ≤ 20 mg CBD (usually up to roughly 600 mg per package) and only general “wellness/health maintenance” wording is used; or
  • It is a processed product for ingestion that contains ≤ 0.0075% CBD and ≤ 0.001% THC, with cannabinoids occurring naturally from the source material only. (gov.za, sahpra.org.za)
• “Dealing” in cannabis (which includes trafficking or commercial trading outside the regulated medicinal route) remains prohibited.
• Private use of cannabis containing THC by adults is protected by a 2018 Constitutional Court judgment and is now reflected in the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act, 2024. This Act had received assent on 28.05.2024, with commencement dependent on proclamation and regulations. (gov.za)

Can you bring CBD to South Africa? Flights, land borders, customs

CBD as personal medication in your luggage

South African medicines law and SAHPRA guidance allow travellers to bring in small amounts of prescription medicines in their luggage.

For personal medication that would be classified as Schedule 3–6 (this includes many CBD products treated as Schedule 4), travellers may bring a maximum of a one‑month supply if they have:

• (a) a valid prescription or doctor’s letter; and
• (b) details of the prescribing practitioner.

Residence information is also recorded on entry. This applies even if your CBD product would be considered Schedule 4, for example because of a higher CBD dose or because it makes therapeutic (disease‑related) claims. (sahpra.org.za)

Postal and courier shipments of CBD

Important: Postal or courier imports of medicines, including CBD products, into South Africa are not permitted without Section 21 authorisation from SAHPRA. Consignments sent without this are frequently held back or stopped.

Carrying CBD products in your own luggage for personal use is treated very differently from commercial import or distance selling into South Africa. (sahpra.org.za)

Customs rules and declarations

From a customs perspective, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) distinguishes between prohibited and restricted goods:

• Medicines for personal use may be brought in “sufficient quantities”. As a general guide, SARS mentions up to three months’ supply, but SAHPRA sets a one‑month limit for certain scheduled medicines under Reg. 8(1). Always carry a prescription or doctor’s letter for higher‑schedule products.
• Herbal products may require a health clearance.

When in doubt, use the Online Traveller Declaration (SATMS) and declare your CBD products in advance. (sars.gov.za)

Sources: SAHPRA/Reg. 8(1) (one‑month limit), SARS traveller guidance/SATMS; for foods see section “CBD in foods”. (sahpra.org.za, sars.gov.za)

Buying CBD in South Africa: what is legal in retail?

The legality of buying CBD in South Africa depends on how the product is classified under the Schedules and what the label claims.

• Legal without prescription (Schedule 0): CBD products that:
  • comply with the 20 mg per day CBD limit and only use general wellness wording (for example “supports wellbeing”); or
  • are processed products for ingestion with ≤ 0.0075% CBD and ≤ 0.001% THC, where cannabinoids are naturally occurring only.
  These may be sold over the counter. (gov.za, sahpra.org.za)
• Prescription‑only (Schedule 4): CBD products with:
  • explicit “therapeutic” claims relating to diseases or conditions (for example “treats pain”, “for epilepsy”); and/or
  • higher daily doses above 20 mg CBD.
  These are intended to be supplied in pharmacies against a valid prescription and usually need to be registered medicines. (gov.za)
• Unauthorised outlets: The police (SAPS) and SAHPRA have repeatedly warned about “dispensaries” and shops selling cannabis or CBD products with unapproved medical claims and without proper licences. They describe this as part of the illegal cannabis trade. It is therefore advisable to use established pharmacies and recognised retailers. (gov.za)

Legal basis: Government Gazette 43347, SAHPRA information. (gov.za, sahpra.org.za)

CBD possession and use in South Africa

• CBD products (Schedule 0): Possession and use of CBD products that meet the Schedule 0 criteria are permitted, subject to general medicines and consumer laws.
• Cannabis products containing THC: Private possession, cultivation and use by adults in a non‑public space are recognised by:
  • a 2018 Constitutional Court judgment; and
  • the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act, 2024.
  However, public consumption and dealing remain prohibited. Detailed implementation rules were still being finalised; local guidance should be followed. (gov.za)

Practical tip (also relevant for police or customs checks): Carry a printed certificate of analysis (COA) for your CBD product that clearly shows:

• the low THC content (ideally ≤ 0.001% THC for processed products); and
• the recommended daily amount of CBD.

Keep the original packaging with you. (gov.za)

CBD in foods and edibles in South Africa

South Africa’s rules on CBD in foods (“edibles”) and hemp ingredients have been changing.

In March 2025, the Department of Health introduced regulations under food law that prohibited the manufacture, import and sale of foods containing cannabis or hemp, including hemp oil and hemp flour.

This prohibition was then formally withdrawn on 09.04.2025. At the same time, the government announced further consultations and work on revised regulations for cannabis and hemp in foodstuffs. (gov.za)

As a result, there is currently no blanket ban that simply outlaws all CBD edibles, but the regulatory position is clearly still evolving. Before:

• placing imported CBD edibles on the South African market; or
• relying on being able to buy or sell them locally,

you should check the most recent official notices from the Department of Health and the Presidency on cannabis and hemp in foodstuffs. (gov.za)

Practical tips for tourists and expats bringing CBD to South Africa

• Declare before you travel: Use the Online Traveller Declaration (SATMS) to declare CBD products in advance. If you are unsure, declaration is generally safer than relying on an exemption. (sars.gov.za)
• Have documents ready: Keep in your hand luggage:
  • prescription or doctor’s letter (in English where possible);
  • COA showing CBD and THC content;
  • proof of purchase; and
  • original packaging.
  (sahpra.org.za)
• Avoid CBD flowers or raw plant material: These look the same as THC‑rich cannabis and may trigger extra checks, testing and delays at the border.
• Avoid postal shipping: Avoid ordering CBD products by post or courier to South Africa. Without Section 21 authorisation, consignments are often held or seized. (sahpra.org.za)
• Driving: CBD itself is not generally regarded as intoxicating, but some products can contain trace amounts of THC. If you need to drive, only use reputable products with clearly documented THC content and follow any local drink‑ and drug‑driving rules.

Regional differences within South Africa

The way CBD and cannabis are classified under medicines and drug laws applies across the whole country.

However, local by‑laws can still affect you, especially around public consumption. For example, some cities or areas may have additional rules on smoking and vaping in public places.

Always pay attention to:

• house rules in hotels and rented accommodation;
• rules for parks, beaches and other public spaces; and
• any posted signs about smoking or vaping.

Primary sources on CBD law in South Africa

• Government Gazette 43347 (22.05.2020) – Amendment of the Schedules (CBD/THC). (gov.za)
• SAHPRA – THC & CBD Information Page; Amended Schedules (overview). (sahpra.org.za)
• SAHPRA – Importation of medicines (Reg. 8(1) – one‑month limit; Section 21). (sahpra.org.za)
• SARS – Arrival in SA (including medicines/herbal products), SATMS Online Declaration. (sars.gov.za)
• Cannabis for Private Purposes Act, 2024 – Act text (assent 28.05.2024; commencement to be proclaimed); Presidency statement. (gov.za)
• Foods/edibles – Prohibition notice (07.03.2025); Withdrawal (09.04.2025); Presidency statement. (gov.za)
• SAPS/SAHPRA – Joint warning on illegal cannabis trade (context/public). (gov.za)

Quick check: what is allowed with CBD in South Africa?

FAQ – CBD legality in South Africa

How can I show that my CBD is “legal” in South Africa?
By carrying:

• a COA with batch number, showing CBD and THC levels;
• a label with the recommended daily amount (≤ 20 mg for Schedule 0 products); and
• general, non‑disease claims only for Schedule 0.

For Schedule 4 CBD products, you should also carry a valid prescription. (gov.za, sahpra.org.za)

Can I order CBD into South Africa by post or courier?
Not under normal circumstances. Importing CBD as a medicine by post or courier generally requires Section 21 authorisation from SAHPRA in advance. Personal carriage of CBD in your luggage is treated differently and is possible under the conditions described above, but postal or courier shipments without approval are frequently stopped. (sahpra.org.za)

Are there provincial differences for CBD law in South Africa?
No. The medicine and drug law classification applies nationally. However, provinces or municipalities may have additional rules restricting public smoking or vaping, which can also affect CBD products in practice.