South Africa raises THC limit in industrial hemp to 2%

South Africa implemented, on December 1, 2025, the new Plant Improvement Act, which increases the allowed limit of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in industrial hemp from 0.2% to 2%. Sanctioned by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the measure replaces the 1976 legislation.

The change was approved by the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen. The goal is to modernize production oversight, ensure seed quality, and promote the cultivation of Cannabis sativa L. for industrial purposes.

Technical definition of industrial hemp

The main alteration in the legal text concerns the technical classification of the product. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, industrial hemp now encompasses plants whose leaves and flowers do not exceed a 2% THC concentration.

This new guideline represents a tenfold increase compared to the previously established limit. The rule applies to plants or plant parts grown specifically for agricultural or industrial purposes.

Advancements for the industrial hemp market

The revision of the limit meets a long-standing demand from industry stakeholders. The argument was that the 0.2% restriction limited genetic diversity and hindered the development of the industrial hemp value chain.

With the new percentage, producers gain flexibility in selecting more resilient varieties adapted to the local climate. The expectation is to boost various sectors, from the textile and construction materials industry to the wellness sector.

Quality control in industrial hemp

In addition to cannabinoid levels, the legislation establishes an updated regulatory environment for companies in the sector. Mandatory systems were introduced for registering companies that trade industrial hemp and propagation materials.

The law also implements strict standards for seeds and certifications. The aim is to ensure that the cultivated material is "true to type" as declared, as well as to monitor import and export activities with more rigorous assessments.

In the realm of governance, a national plant variety registration system was created, supported by a technical advisory committee. The legislation includes, for the first time, a formal mechanism for objections to registration, aiming to increase transparency in approval processes.

With information from NewsWeed