Medical Marijuana in SA "Due to the beneficial effects of cannabis, the Department of Health, South Africa will be releasing the guidelines for medical use of marijuana soon.
A recent report by Medicine Control Council (MCC) indicates that the medical use of cannabis could be beneficial in instances where other treatments have failed. In fact, the MCC has already allowed the importation of unregistered pharmaceutical products containing cannabinoids for medical use.
The Industrial Development Corporation has also called research proposals from researchers and research institutions to investigate the medical use of cannabis.
If the South African government decides to legalise cannabis for medical purposes, local pharmaceutical companies are going to require reliable suppliers.
Interestingly, in accordance to Medicines and Related Substances Act, 1965 (Act 101 of 1965), the MCC has already set guidelines for the cultivation of cannabis and manufacture of cannabis-based pharmaceutical products for both medical and research purposes.
These guidelines set standards for the production of cannabis and also identify the critical production steps to ensure a reliable and reproducible quality of the product.
Notably, in terms of the provisions of Sections 22C (1)(b) of the Medicines Act, cannabis farmers are required to apply to the MCC for a licence. Farmers must also, in terms of Section 22A (9)(a)(i) of the Act, apply to the director-general of health for a permit to produce and supply cannabis.
These regulations are designed to help control the amount of cannabis produced in the local market and to prevent the diversion of cannabis to the illicit market. This is in line with the international commitment to the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs to which South Africa is a signatory.
Another guideline includes the training of personnel appointed to oversee the growing of cannabis.
Strict policies and strong security measures for the cannabis fields are critical for the MCC and the Department of Health to even consider issuing the necessary licence and permit. Failing to follow the security requirements can also easily lead to the withdrawal of the licence and permit by the authorities."