Bongs and Bureaucracy: South Africa's 4/20

By Hannah Thorpe

20 April, or 4/20, is globally recognised as a day to celebrate cannabis culture. On this day, enthusiasts gather to enjoy the plant openly, challenging the stigma around its use and advocating for its legalisation. The 2025 4/20 festivities were significant following the government’s flip-flop on cannabis-infused food and beverage products in March.

Edible Ban (and Unban)

On 7 March 2025, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi quietly gazetted regulations banning the production and sale of cannabis and hemp-derived foodstuffs, including items like THC-laced gummies, hemp-based oils, and flours. There was no further word from the Department of Health providing context as to why the decision was made, except for spokesperson Foster Mohale saying that the “prohibitions relates to foods containing cannabis only, not cosmetics or other industrials uses of cannabis.” He said there were several concerns with the use of cannabis in foods from a safety perspective.

This ban triggered backlash from several organisations, calling the move unconstitutional because there had been no prior public consultation. Human Rights group, Free SA, said the regulations were in violation of the Foodstuffs Act, stressing that “the government cannot pass sweeping, punitive regulations without consulting the public.” Three weeks after it was implemented, the controversial cannabis ban was withdrawn, acknowledging the need for consultation with stakeholders and the public. The ban was reversed just in time for 4/20. Is it possible that a particularly potent batch of brownies influenced the decision-making process behind the ban?

The withdrawal of the ban is a “critical win for logic, legality and livelihoods”, said chairperson of the Cannabis Trade Association Africa, Tebogo Thlopane. It is seen as a victory for cannabis advocates who have been fighting for regulatory clarity and fair access to cannabis products. It reflects a growing acknowledgement by the government of the economic and medicinal potential of cannabis, as well as the need for policies that support small-scale farmers and local businesses.

Zapiro cartoon captioned: "Eat This" - Daily Maverick

Cannabis Laws in SA

As of 2018, the consumption of cannabis has become legal thanks to a landmark ruling by the Constitutional Court. The court has given parliament instructions to formulate specific laws around cannabis usage in South Africa. Parliament has proposed the following laws, but has yet to pass them officially.

·       Anyone 18 years or older may consume cannabis on private property (as long as it does not endanger children), but is prohibited in public spaces.

·       Adults may possess unlimited seeds of a cannabis plant; four flowering cannabis plants per person or eight per household; 100g dried cannabis in a public space; 600g dried cannabis per person or 1200g per household.

This is why cannabis dispensaries require people to become members. You are allowed to buy and consume cannabis on that property as it is considered shared private property to those who are members.

Understanding 420

The term 4/20 originated in the 1970s when a group of high school students (who called themselves the ‘Waldos’) in California would meet at 4:20 pm to consume cannabis. Over time, 4/20 became a code word for marijuana use and evolved into a global symbol for cannabis culture. 20 April (4/20) is now recognised as a day to celebrate and unite cannabis communities.

The term gained popularity when the ‘Waldos’ became close with a rock band called the Grateful Dead. A brother of one of the ‘Waldos’ was a close friend of one of the bandmates. The term stuck as a code for smoking weed and was used more frequently.

The widespread use of 4/20 was solidified when Steven Hager of High Times wrote an article called Stoner Smart or Stoner Stupid?

“Government U-turn on cannabis food products ban after public outcry" - Mail & Guardian 

A High Time for Celebration

Since the 2018 Constitutional Court ruling that decriminalised the private use and cultivation of cannabis, South Africa's 4/20 celebrations have become more vibrant than ever. Cannabis events in cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg host a variety of 4/20 themed activities, including music festivals, markets, cannabis tastings, and even educational workshops providing information on responsible use and benefits of cannabis. These gatherings are not just about indulgence, but platforms for advocacy and community building.

While the haze around cannabis legislation in South Africa still lingers, the events of 4/20 show that the country’s cannabis culture is blazing ahead. The reversal of the edible ban reveals the influence of cannabis advocates and the importance of public engagement in policymaking. Whether you’re lighting up a jiggie, passing a bong, or simply enjoying a pot brownie (legally), 4/20 in South Africa proves that cannabis is more than a plant—it’s a movement.