Cannabis Culture in South Africa

Cannabis in South Africa is deeply woven into the country’s cultural, historical, and economic fabric. For centuries, indigenous communities such as the Khoisan and Zulu have used cannabis for medicinal, spiritual, and social purposes, long before colonial laws sought to criminalize it. Known locally as “dagga,” cannabis has been cultivated in rural areas for generations, providing both a source of livelihood and a connection to traditional healing practices. Despite decades of prohibition, its presence never disappeared, and today, the conversation around cannabis is shifting toward its economic and wellness potential.

For many South Africans, cannabis has played a dual role, both as a symbol of resistance against oppressive drug policies and as a natural remedy passed down through generations. Under apartheid-era laws, cannabis was harshly policed, disproportionately affecting Black rural farmers and traditional healers who relied on it for medicine and income. Yet, despite these restrictions, cannabis remained a staple in townships, music, and Rastafarian communities, embedding itself into South African counterculture. The 2018 Constitutional Court ruling decriminalizing private use marked a turning point, but legal uncertainty still leaves many traditional growers and users operating in a grey area.

As global perceptions of cannabis evolve, South Africa is witnessing a rapid shift from stigma to acceptance, particularly in wellness and medical spaces. The rise of CBD products, legal medical cannabis prescriptions, and the integration of cannabis into alternative health practices reflect changing attitudes. From luxury wellness retreats incorporating cannabis therapies to entrepreneurs launching cannabis-infused health brands, the plant is increasingly seen as a legitimate tool for relaxation, pain management, and holistic healing. However, with laws still restricting commercial sales, the journey toward full integration into South Africa’s economy and healthcare system remains a work in progress.

The Deep Roots of Cannabis in South Africa

Long before it became a subject of legal and economic debate, cannabis was widely used by African communities for medicine, spirituality, and social bonding. Over the centuries, it transitioned from being an accepted part of daily life to a prohibited substance under colonial and apartheid-era laws. Understanding this history helps to explain both the stigma and resilience surrounding cannabis use in South Africa today.

Long before Western influence, many South African communities, including the Khoisan, Zulu, and Sotho, had well-established traditions involving cannabis. The Khoisan, one of the oldest cultures in the world, used cannabis in spiritual ceremonies and as a remedy for ailments like pain, fever, and digestive issues. The Zulu and Sotho incorporated cannabis into traditional healing practices, often prescribing it for headaches, anxiety, and respiratory conditions.

Cannabis also played an important role in social bonding and communal rituals. In some African societies, it was smoked in gatherings as a way to strengthen cultural and spiritual connections. It was often prepared in clay pipes or burned in ceremonial fires. These traditions highlight how cannabis was viewed as a beneficial plant, rather than a recreational drug, long before it became politicized. Indigenous farmers cultivated cannabis using organic methods, carefully selecting and preserving landrace strains that thrived in the local climate—some of which are still cultivated today.

The Introduction of Cannabis to Southern Africa

While cannabis was deeply rooted in African traditions, its exact arrival in Southern Africa remains debated. Some historians suggest that Indian and Arab traders introduced cannabis through trade routes along the East African coast, while others argue that early Bantu migrations brought knowledge of cannabis cultivation from Central Africa. The plant’s versatility made it an essential crop, spreading quickly among farmers and traditional healers.

By the 17th and 18th centuries, European colonial records documented widespread cannabis use among African communities. Dutch settlers observed its medicinal applications and its role in social rituals. African farmers became skilled cultivators, growing cannabis alongside staple crops and trading it within local economies. However, as European settlers established stricter governance, cannabis use among indigenous people was increasingly viewed through a racialized lens, setting the stage for future restrictions.

Apartheid, Prohibition, and the Criminalization of Cannabis

The criminalization of cannabis in South Africa was deeply tied to racial discrimination. During British colonial rule in the late 19th century, concerns over cannabis use among indentured Indian laborers and African workers led to the first cannabis-related restrictions. By 1922, South Africa pushed for cannabis to be included in international drug control treaties, laying the groundwork for future bans.

Under apartheid, cannabis prohibition became another tool of racial oppression. The Weed Act of 1928 and subsequent drug laws targeted Black communities, particularly rural farmers and traditional healers who relied on cannabis cultivation for income and medicine. Police crackdowns disproportionately affected Black South Africans, leading to mass arrests, land seizures, and economic hardship. Meanwhile, cannabis use among white South Africans—particularly in counterculture movements—was largely ignored by authorities.

The long-lasting impact of these policies is still felt today. Despite the 2018 Constitutional Court ruling decriminalizing private cannabis use, many rural cannabis farmers remain marginalized, struggling to enter the legal market due to restrictive licensing and financial barriers. The stigma attached to cannabis, reinforced over decades of criminalization, continues to shape the public perception of the plant. However, as attitudes shift and legalization efforts gain momentum, South Africa is beginning to reconnect with its deep-rooted cannabis heritage in a way that honors both its cultural and economic significance.

The Cultural Significance of Cannabis in South Africa

Cannabis has played a significant role in South African society for centuries, not just as a plant but as a symbol of economic survival, spiritual connection, and cultural expression. From rural communities that have farmed it for generations to religious groups that use it in sacred rituals, cannabis remains deeply embedded in South African life. Even in urban spaces, cannabis has influenced music, art, and underground economies, surviving decades of prohibition. As laws shift, the conversation around cannabis is evolving from criminalization to cultural preservation.

Dagga in Rural Communities

In regions like the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga, cannabis has long been a cash crop for small-scale farmers, many of whom inherited cultivation techniques from previous generations. These farmers, often living in remote, impoverished areas, relied on cannabis sales to support their families in the absence of formal economic opportunities. Despite decades of prohibition, cannabis remained a staple of informal agricultural trade, with buyers traveling from cities to purchase high-quality, locally grown dagga.

Traditional cultivation in these regions involved natural, organic farming methods, free from modern pesticides or artificial fertilizers. South Africa is home to unique landrace strains, such as Durban Poison and Swazi Gold, which have been carefully preserved by rural growers. These strains are known for their potency, resilience, and distinct flavors, making them highly sought after in international cannabis markets. However, because of restrictive licensing laws, many of these farmers are still unable to participate in the legal cannabis industry, leaving them vulnerable to police crackdowns and economic instability.

Cannabis in Spiritual and Religious Practices

For Rastafarian communities, cannabis is not just a plant—it is a holy sacrament, used in religious rituals to enhance meditation and connect with the divine. Rastafarians believe that smoking “ganja” brings them closer to Jah (God) and promotes wisdom and enlightenment. Despite this deep religious significance, Rastafarians in South Africa have faced harassment, arrests, and legal battles due to cannabis prohibition. Only in recent years have courts begun recognizing religious rights to cannabis use, though full protections remain inconsistent and uncertain.

Beyond Rastafarianism, cannabis has long been used in African spirituality as part of ancestral communication and healing practices. Traditional healers, known as sangomas, have historically burned or ingested cannabis to enter trancelike states, believing it helps them receive messages from ancestors and diagnose illnesses. In some cultures, cannabis was mixed with other herbs and used in cleansing ceremonies or as a protective agent against negative spirits. While these practices persist, they are often overlooked in mainstream discussions about cannabis legalization, which tend to focus on Western medical frameworks rather than African traditional knowledge.

The Evolution of Cannabis in Townships and Urban Culture

As South African cities expanded and townships grew in the 20th century, cannabis found a place in urban culture, music, and underground economies. Prohibition did not stop cannabis use—it simply pushed it into hidden networks, where it became part of daily life in working-class communities. Many township residents used cannabis as an affordable alternative to alcohol, and it became popular among artists, musicians, and political activists.

Cannabis has had a major influence on South African music, particularly in jazz, reggae, and hip-hop. During the apartheid era, jazz musicians embraced cannabis as part of the underground creative scene, much like their American counterparts in Harlem. Later, reggae artists in South Africa, inspired by the global Rastafarian movement, incorporated cannabis themes into their lyrics, using it as a symbol of resistance and freedom. In modern times, hip-hop and gqom artists continue to reference cannabis in their music, reflecting its mainstream acceptance among younger generations.

Prohibition led to the expansion of the informal cannabis market, where sellers developed coded language and discreet distribution methods to avoid law enforcement. Despite ongoing restrictions, township cannabis culture remains strong and deeply ingrained, with many still relying on trusted local networks rather than legal medical dispensaries. As legalization efforts progress, the challenge will be ensuring that township entrepreneurs and long-time cannabis traders are not excluded from the economic opportunities of the regulated industry.

The Rise of Online Cannabis Stores in South Africa

As cannabis laws evolve, online cannabis stores are emerging across South Africa, offering consumers easier access to CBD products, medicinal cannabis, and wellness goods. While recreational cannabis sales remain illegal, many businesses are operating within legal grey areas, using medical prescriptions or private memberships to sell products online. These digital dispensaries offer convenient delivery services, allowing users to purchase everything from CBD oils and edibles to hemp-based skincare from the comfort of their homes.

However, legal uncertainty remains a challenge for these online stores. Many operate under loosely interpreted regulations, while others focus exclusively on approved medical cannabis sales. Some platforms require doctor consultations and valid prescriptions, while others cater to the broader wellness market by offering THC-free CBD products. Despite legal restrictions, the demand for safe, accessible cannabis products is fueling the growth of online retailers, reflecting South Africa’s shifting attitudes toward cannabis commerce.

The Shift Toward Wellness and Medical Cannabis

As cannabis moves from criminalized substance to recognized medicine, South Africa is witnessing a significant shift toward medical and wellness applications. The acceptance of medical cannabis, CBD products, and traditional healing practices is reshaping public perception, pushing cannabis into mainstream health and wellness culture. While strict regulations still govern access, increasing demand for alternative medicine and plant-based treatments is fueling a growing industry.

Medical Cannabis

South Africa has moved from prohibition to controlled medical cannabis use, with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) now overseeing its regulation. While the 2018 Constitutional Court ruling allowed private use, it was the government’s decision to legalize medical cannabis under strict conditions that marked a turning point. This shift was driven by growing global acceptance, scientific research, and pressure from patients and advocacy groups demanding access to alternative treatments.

SAHPRA controls who can grow, distribute, and prescribe medical cannabis, making the approval process lengthy and restrictive. Patients must obtain a doctor’s prescription, which must then be approved by SAHPRA, before purchasing from licensed pharmacies. Despite these challenges, medical cannabis is now being prescribed for conditions like chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, PTSD, and chemotherapy-related nausea. While accessibility remains a barrier due to costs and bureaucracy, medical cannabis has paved the way for a larger wellness movement, increasing acceptance across South African society.

CBD and the Rise of Alternative Wellness Products

The rise of CBD (cannabidiol) products has been one of the biggest shifts in South Africa’s wellness industry. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which causes psychoactive effects, CBD is non-intoxicating and widely marketed for its calming, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties. Over the past few years, CBD oils, edibles, skincare products, and even pet treatments have flooded the market, with health-conscious consumers eager to explore plant-based alternatives to pharmaceuticals.

A key reason for CBD’s widespread availability is a legal loophole—in 2019, the South African government temporarily excluded certain CBD products from the Medicines Act, allowing them to be sold freely as long as they contained less than 0.001% THC and did not make medical claims. This led to a boom in CBD businesses, from wellness boutiques to mainstream retailers stocking CBD-infused teas, sleep aids, and muscle balms. Despite its popularity, the lack of regulation means many CBD products vary in quality, with some containing misleading labeling or ineffective doses, raising concerns about consumer protection.

Traditional Healers and Cannabis in Holistic Medicine

Long before Western medicine acknowledged cannabis, traditional healers (sangomas) in South Africa were using it in herbal medicine and spiritual healing. Many sangomas believe cannabis can enhance intuition, aid in ancestral communication, and treat ailments ranging from pain and inflammation to mental health issues. Herbal blends containing cannabis are often prepared with other indigenous plants, creating holistic remedies tailored to individual needs. However, because traditional medicine operates outside of government regulation, many of these practices remain largely undocumented and unrecognized in formal healthcare.

The tension between Western medicine, traditional healing, and cannabis legalization is an ongoing challenge. While modern doctors often rely on clinical trials and pharmaceutical standards, traditional healers work with ancestral knowledge and natural remedies, which are not always backed by scientific studies. As cannabis becomes more accepted in mainstream medicine, there is an opportunity to bridge the gap between these two healing traditions, ensuring that cultural and historical knowledge is preserved while maintaining safety and efficacy standards. For many South Africans, cannabis is more than just a medical treatment—it is a connection to heritage, wellness, and holistic living.

Cannabis in Everyday Life: Trends and Changing Attitudes

Cannabis is no longer just a counterculture symbol—it is becoming part of mainstream South African society, influencing social gatherings, food culture, and digital conversations. While legal uncertainties remain, the growing acceptance of cannabis is evident in the way people talk about it, use it, and integrate it into their daily lives. From private clubs to Instagram influencers, cannabis is steadily shedding its stigma and becoming a lifestyle choice for many South Africans.

For decades, cannabis was associated with crime, rebellion, and underground subcultures, but attitudes are shifting rapidly. More professionals, creatives, and wellness advocates are embracing cannabis use, particularly in private settings. This change is driven by a growing understanding of cannabis’s therapeutic benefits, as well as global legalization trends influencing public perception.

Key Factors Behind Changing Attitudes:

• Cannabis clubs and private lounges are emerging in cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg, allowing members to consume cannabis socially in a controlled environment.
• Younger generations (Millennials and Gen Z) view cannabis as no different from alcohol or caffeine, while older South Africans—who grew up during the height of prohibition—are more cautious.
• Corporate professionals and entrepreneurs are becoming open about cannabis use for stress relief, creativity, and productivity, moving away from outdated stereotypes.

Despite this shift, public cannabis use is still illegal, and many users remain discreet about their consumption, particularly in conservative communities. However, as medical cannabis becomes more mainstream and CBD wellness trends grow, social stigma is likely to continue fading.

The Growth of Infused Edibles in South Africa

The concept of cannabis-infused cuisine is still in its early stages in South Africa, but it is slowly gaining traction. While edibles have long existed in underground markets, more chefs, bakers, and food enthusiasts are now experimenting with cannabis as a culinary ingredient. From CBD-infused drinks to gourmet cannabis dinners, food culture is playing a role in normalizing cannabis consumption.

Where Cannabis is Showing Up in South African Food Culture:

• Restaurants and supper clubs are starting to offer CBD-infused cocktails, desserts, and health foods, promoting relaxation without psychoactive effects.
• Home chefs and private caterers are crafting cannabis-infused meals for exclusive events, often focusing on fine dining experiences with carefully measured doses.
• Local bakeries and cafés are incorporating CBD oils and hemp-based ingredients into cakes, smoothies, and wellness snacks.

Legal Challenges for Cannabis-Infused Food:

• THC-infused food remains illegal to sell commercially, as it falls under strict drug control laws.
• CBD edibles are allowed, but only if they meet SAHPRA’s legal THC limit of 0.001% and do not make medical claims.
• Unregulated homemade edibles remain popular, but consumers face inconsistent potency and potential legal risks when purchasing from informal sellers.

As global cannabis cuisine trends influence South African food culture, there is growing demand for clearer regulations, especially in the hospitality and health food industries.

Social Media and Influencers in Shaping Cannabis Culture

Social media is playing a huge role in changing the narrative around cannabis in South Africa. Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok have become spaces where users, influencers, and experts openly discuss cannabis, sharing education, product reviews, and personal experiences. With cannabis still carrying legal and social complexities, digital platforms have become a key source of information for consumers.

How Social Media is Driving Cannabis Awareness:

• Local influencers and cannabis advocates are creating content around product recommendations, legal updates, and health benefits.
• Doctors and wellness professionals are using YouTube and blogs to discuss medical cannabis and CBD, making scientific knowledge more accessible.
• Global cannabis trends—from the rise of microdosing to high-end cannabis branding—are influencing how South Africans view and purchase cannabis products.

The Risks and Challenges of Online Cannabis Content:

• Censorship issues—social media platforms often restrict or remove cannabis-related content, making it difficult for local brands to market legally.
• Misinformation—while many influencers provide valuable insights, some promote unverified health claims or low-quality, unregulated products.
• Legal uncertainty—with South Africa’s cannabis laws still evolving, many businesses and influencers operate in grey areas, unsure of what they can legally promote.

Despite these challenges, social media has helped destigmatize cannabis, making it a mainstream topic of conversation. Whether it’s CBD skincare trends or medical cannabis success stories, digital platforms are shaping the way South Africans engage with cannabis culture.

The Business of Cannabis

As legalization progresses, the industry is balancing traditional farming, modern business ventures, and cannabis tourism. While legal barriers remain, cannabis is emerging as a key driver of job creation, investment, and exports. South Africa’s landrace strains, including Durban Poison, Swazi Gold, and Malawi Gold, are globally sought after for their unique genetics and potency. Rural farmers in Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga have cultivated these strains for generations using organic, small-scale methods. However, corporate interests and foreign biotech firms are threatening these strains through patents and genetic modification, raising concerns about intellectual property rights and farmer exclusion from the legal market. Restrictive licensing and high compliance costs push many traditional growers into the underground market, limiting their participation in the regulated industry.

Entrepreneurs are capitalizing on CBD-focused startups, wellness products, and hemp-based goods, as South Africa’s climate makes it ideal for large-scale cannabis cultivation. From CBD oils and skincare to hemp textiles and supplements, cannabis is entering mainstream markets. However, strict SAHPRA regulations, high licensing fees, and banking restrictions make it difficult for small business owners to compete with large corporations and international investors. Without inclusive policies, the legal market risks being dominated by big businesses, leaving smaller players behind.

South Africa is positioning itself for cannabis tourism, with cannabis-friendly lodges, wellness retreats, and guided farm tours gaining popularity. Luxury resorts in regions like the Western Cape and Garden Route are offering CBD-infused spa treatments and farm experiences, attracting international visitors. However, cannabis tourism remains a legal grey area, as the commercial sale of recreational cannabis is still prohibited. Strict advertising regulations also make it difficult for businesses to promote cannabis-related experiences. If fully embraced, cannabis tourism could create jobs, boost rural economies, and attract global travelers seeking wellness and adventure.

Cannabis laws in South Africa remain a complex mix of progress and restriction, leaving consumers navigating unclear boundaries. While private cultivation and use are legal, buying, selling, or possessing cannabis outside of personal use still carries legal risks. Law enforcement approaches vary, with some regions cracking down on cannabis businesses, while others take a more lenient stance. This inconsistency creates uncertainty for consumers, especially as workplace policies and drug testing remain strict despite legalization for private use. Public consumption is still prohibited, and without clear industry regulations, the legal market remains difficult to access for both businesses and consumers. Until comprehensive policies are established, South Africans will continue to face legal grey areas and enforcement inconsistencies in the country’s evolving cannabis landscape.