Zuko Komisa

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has issued a stern warning to the public regarding an alarming rise in cannabis dispensaries operating with fraudulent licenses.
SAHPRA reports that individuals and companies are unethically presenting falsified SAHPRA licenses to gain public trust and conduct business, posing significant risks to public health and safety.
SAHPRA has observed a rapid expansion of cannabis dispensaries, particularly in shopping malls, openly displaying copies of licences originally issued for cannabis cultivation and export, not for retail dispensation.
SAHPRA CEO, Dr. Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela, condemned these “highly unethical and illegal” practices, vowing to collaborate with law enforcement to prosecute offenders.
The regulatory authority urges the public to verify the legitimacy of any SAHPRA-issued licence by contacting SAHPRA directly or checking their official website under “Databases and Registers” at www.sahpra.org.za.
🚨 WARNING: SAHPRA alerts the public about fake licence holders
— SAHPRA (@SAHPRA1) June 12, 2025
SAHPRA is urging the public to stay alert! Unethical individuals and companies are using forged licences to mislead the public — especially in cannabis dispensaries.
🛑 Fake licences are illegal and dangerous.
✅…
SAHPRA is also developing a barcoding system for certificate authentication and plans a public awareness campaign on licence verification.
The public is encouraged to only engage with properly licenced and verified providers and to report any suspected fraudulent SAHPRA licenses immediately to 0800 204 307 or via the website at https://bit.ly/3nrku5t.
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