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Roadmap & Action Plan for Legal Recognition of Private Cannabis Clubs in South Africa

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Objective

To secure the formal recognition of Private Cannabis Clubs (PCCs) under national cannabis legislation by unifying the sector, showcasing responsible self-regulation, and influencing public discourse and legislative processes.

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Guiding Principles

  • Legitimacy: Operate openly, ethically, and in line with constitutional rights.

  • Transparency: Advocate with data, lived experience, and public health evidence.

  • Inclusivity: Represent all regions, sizes, and cultural traditions.

  • Urgency: Engage before the Cannabis for Private Purposes Bill is finalised.

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We are lobbying for:

  • Legal recognition of Private Cannabis Clubs (PCCs) in national legislation

  • A community-endorsed Code of Compliance that protects members and consumers

  • An inclusive Policy Position Paper to present to government in 2026

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This process is driven by the community, not by corporations, parties, or individuals.

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Final Draft Phase: February 2026
All SACCA-registered members will vote to adopt the final Code of Compliance and Policy Paper during February 2026. Until then, we are gathering suggestions, edits, and community engagement.

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How the SACCA Drafting & Voting Process Works

SACCA operates on the principle of transparent, democratic participation. Our community collaboratively shapes the future of responsible cannabis self-regulation in South Africa through two key documents:

1. Code of Compliance

A living document outlining practical compliance guidelines for cannabis clubs, cultivators, and service providers. It ensures safe operations, consumer protection, and responsible self-governance.

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2. Policy Paper

A dynamic position paper drafted by members to advocate for fair and inclusive cannabis laws. This document is designed to be presented to government stakeholders and policy makers.

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This community-driven model ensures:

  • Legitimacy when presenting policies to government

  • Accountability among clubs and service providers

  • A self-regulatory framework that reflects real-world expertise

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Strategic Pillars & Action Plan

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Phase 1: Community Consolidation & Drafting (Now – Dec 2025)

  • Launch SACCA & open national membership

  • Publish Draft Code of Compliance and Draft Policy Paper

  • Create discussion forums for community input

  • Allow any SACCA member to suggest edits to either document

  • Identify regional coordinators and interest groups

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Phase 2: Open Review & Preparation for Vote (Jan 2026)

  • Compile all suggestions from members

  • Publicly display draft revisions and reasoning

  • Allow debate and final feedback in forum groups

  • Appoint a neutral editorial panel to compile the final drafts

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🚨 Cutoff Date for Suggestions: 31 January 2026


Final drafts will be locked in preparation for the vote.

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Phase 3: National Member Vote (February 2026)

All verified SACCA Members will receive a secure voting link to:

  • Approve or Decline the Final SACCA Code of Compliance

  • Approve or Decline the Final Policy Position Paper

Each document must reach a 2/3 majority to be adopted. Results will be published publicly.

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Phase 4: Lobbying & Legal Recognition (February 2026)

With community-endorsed documents, SACCA will:

  • Submit our official Policy Paper and Compliance Framework to Parliament and national departments

  • Request inclusion in cannabis policy discussions and hearings

  • Present case studies of community clubs as working models

  • Engage media and civil society partners

  • Push for township and indigenous community inclusion in cannabis licensing and development

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Without a clear, inclusive framework:

  • Clubs remain vulnerable to raids and legal uncertainty

  • Indigenous & township communities are excluded by design

  • Big business may dominate without grassroots voices

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This strategy ensures the Cannabis Club model is protected, refined, and recognized as legitimate — not criminal.

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How You Can Get Involved

  1. Register your club or cannabis business on the SACCA website

  2. Review and suggest edits to the Code of Compliance or Policy Paper

  3. Join our forums and webinars

  4. Be ready to vote in February 2026

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"The law is changing — if we don’t help shape it, we will be shaped by it."

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