Marijuana Laws
As recorded December 15, 2025 · not verified as current law. South Africa law
Cannabis laws in Johannesburg follow South Africa’s national law. This city follows the jurisdiction’s cannabis law framework; separate city laws are typically limited.
Private adult use, possession, and cultivation of cannabis are permitted under the law. Medical use is also allowed. Public consumption, possession in public, or commercial sale remain illegal and can result in penalties.
Quick facts
- Recreational: Legal for private adult use
- Medical: Available
- Possession: Legal in private
- Buying/Selling: Illegal
- Tourists: Subject to the same laws as residents
Practical guidance
Avoid cross-border transport of cannabis products. Do not assume informal tolerance equals legality.
Law Enforcement
The old account described possession as illegal, with a possible fine quoted around US$20. Others reported years of smoking in roads or parks without a bust. The rules on private adult possession have since changed. See Marijuana Laws.
Where to Buy Marijuana
A small reggae shop in Brixton near Mayfair was known for Swazi and occasional Skunk, usually until around 7 p.m. R50 might buy a large jiffy bag of Swazi or a smaller bag of Skunk. The car guards sometimes charged more. The Village Walk flea market near Sandton was another, pricier lead.
Marijuana Prices
- Swazi, Durban Poison or Malawi: about US$5 for a 20–25 g bankie, with Durban Poison harder to find.
- Bankies in another set of quotes ran R20–100. Better flower could be R90 for 1 g.
- Hydro: about $30–150 for around 25 g. Cheap local flower was once quoted at US$0.70, with no weight given.
More Information
Johannesburg sat on supply routes from Swaziland. Malawi flower sometimes came wrapped in corn leaves, and Bruma Lake was one name associated with it. There were claims of ammonia in poor weed. A suspicious smell was one reason people passed. The original account understood the street trade in the context of economic inequality after apartheid.