BoomNews 24 | Health Desk – June 13, 2025
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has issued a serious health warning to the public following a wave of fake cannabis licences and unregulated cannabis-infused products flooding the market.
According to SAHPRA, dozens of individuals and businesses are illegally claiming to be licensed to produce or sell cannabis-based products—putting unsuspecting consumers at major risk.
What’s the Danger?
🚫 Fake Edibles: Many of the cannabis-infused foods, including chocolates, baked goods, gummies, and oils, are being produced in unsanitary conditions, with no labelling, dosage control, or quality testing.
💊 Unknown Substances: Some products contain synthetic cannabinoids—which are more potent and more dangerous than natural THC. Consumers have reported:
- Bad allergic reactions
- Overdose symptoms
- Contaminated products made in backyard kitchens
No Legal Backing: Sellers advertising “medical cannabis licences” are misleading the public. Only SAHPRA can issue a licence to grow, manufacture, or distribute medical cannabis under the Medicines Act.
What SAHPRA Is Saying
“We are aware of bogus medical licences being sold. These are fraudulent and pose a major threat to public health,” said a SAHPRA spokesperson.
SAHPRA, alongside the Department of Health, has also moved to ban cannabis-infused foods under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act—at least until safety regulations are in place.
Boom Breakdown: What You Need to Know
| RISK | ❗ DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Fake licences | Individuals pretending to be SAHPRA-certified are selling illegal products. |
| Edibles not safe | Most products are not tested, and may contain harmful synthetic substances. |
| No oversight | SAHPRA says many cannabis foods are sold without any medical or food-grade checks. |
| Temporary ban | Cannabis- and hemp-infused edibles are banned until proper controls are introduced. |
BoomNews Health Tips:
- DO NOT buy cannabis edibles from unverified sellers.
- CHECK with SAHPRA or your doctor before using any cannabis-related product.
- REPORT suspicious cannabis activity to the health authorities.
What’s Next?
SAHPRA is expected to:
- Crack down on fake licence holders
- Introduce new safety and THC-limit regulations
- Create a national product registry for verified cannabis goods
For now, BoomNews 24 urges South Africans to think twice before consuming any cannabis-laced products found in local shops, markets, or online.
💥 Stay tuned to BoomNews Health Desk for updates on cannabis safety, SAHPRA alerts, and verified wellness tips that keep you and your family protected.
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