Smoking weed is still illegal in public places – but here’s what’s allowed

Smoking weed is still considered illegal in public places, according to the Cannabis for Private Purposes Bill.

Public places are open and accessible, says Simplicable. Clubs, bars, and street corners are all public places. A private place is anything that doesn’t fall under this definition, like a home or apartment.

President Ramaphosa has signed the Bill into effect. Yet many South Africans don’t know what this bill allows and doesn’t.

Here’s more about the Cannabis Bill, and how what’s legal is affecting SA.

SMOKING WEED IS STILL ILLEGAL IN PUBLIC PLACES

Private Cannabis use is allowed, according to the Cannabis for Private Purposes Bill. Private use means smoking weed (or using products) within your own home or private space.

What doesn’t this bill cover?

Laws don’t allow consumption on public grounds or public spaces.

You can only carry so much, according to laws.

According to the law, you can’t sell. This remains a debatable area.

SMOKING WEED: WHAT’S ALLOWED?

Laws allow people to carry “up to 600g of dried cannabis” per person, per private household.

Citizens can smoke in their private spaces. Public places have different rules. You can still be arrested for smoking (or consuming) weed in public.

CANNABIS FOR PRIVATE PURPOSES BILL

The Cannabis for Private Purposes Bill has been in discussion for years.

President Cyril Ramaphosa officially enacted this Bill in 2024.

Cannabis has stated benefits, according to many studies. There’s also its common popular recreational use.

The Bill allows more citizens the right to choose. It also takes pressure away from the legal and court system, which becomes less loaded with impromptu weed arrests.

It’s important to know, whether or not you care about smoking.

SMOKING WEED: BLAZE420 MUSIC FESTIVAL ‘POSTPONED’

Even though private Cannabis consumption is legal, its public use is still up for debate. Blaze 420, a popular music festival, has felt the effect of this.

Blaze420 attracts hundreds of music and weed lovers.

Unfortunately, public consumption is still illegal.

This move has postponed the festival ‘until further notice’ or an agreement.