The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has published draft regulations that would place clear limits on how much cannabis adults may legally possess for personal use in South Africa. The proposed rules form part of the implementation of the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act, which was signed into law but has not yet come into effect.
Under the draft regulations, adults would be allowed to possess up to 750 grams of cannabis at any given time, whether on private property or in a public place for personal use. The proposal is aimed at providing certainty for both the public and law-enforcement officials, following years of legal grey areas after cannabis use was decriminalised for private consumption.
The regulations also propose limits on cultivation, allowing adults to grow a maximum of five cannabis plants in a private space for personal use. In addition, cannabis being transported would need to be out of public view, such as stored in a vehicle’s boot or enclosed compartment, with the same 750g cap applying during transport.
The draft rules have been published for public comment, with submissions open until 5 March 2026. Once finalised, the regulations must still be approved by Parliament and formally proclaimed by the President before they can take effect, marking a key step toward fully regulating private cannabis use in South Africa.