Recent arrests in Ermelo have reignited confusion over cannabis laws, sparking heated discussions online. One of the most talked-about incidents is the arrest of a 32-year-old suspect during Operation Vala Umgodi on 19 April arrested for dagga possession. But was it really illegal? Here’s what you need to know to stay out of trouble.
What’s Actually Legal?
Despite popular belief, cannabis is not fully legal in South Africa. The 2018 Constitutional Court ruling only decriminalised private use, and the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act—signed into law in 2024—is still waiting to be officially enforced.
In the meantime, officials are applying the new law’s limits, meaning you can:
- Grow up to four flowering plants per adult (max 8 per household)
- Possess up to 600 grams of dried cannabis at home
- Carry no more than 100 grams or one plant in public
Anything more? That’s assumed to be “dealing” unless you can prove otherwise.
What Remains Illegal?
- Selling, swapping, or gifting cannabis—even to a friend
- Smoking in public or vaping in shared spaces
- Driving while high (once the official THC limit is published)
- Possession by minors
- Using cannabis near schools or in front of children
- Dealing with hard drugs like nyaope or heroin
These offences can carry serious jail time or hefty fines—up to 10 years in prison for trafficking.
The law’s grey areas—and delayed implementation—mean misunderstanding is common. Many mistakenly think they can carry and use dagga freely. But until the government publishes the final proclamation, you can still land in court.