How a doctor-led SAHPRA authorisation works, what we record (and what we deliberately don't), and how collection works in store.
5 min read · By Herbal Holland · Published · Updated
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Cannabis products containing THC are medicines in South Africa. They can be supplied to a patient on a Section 21 authorisation from the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA). This guide explains how that works at Herbal Holland. It's general information, not medical advice: medical decisions are always between you and your doctor.
Section 21 of the Medicines and Related Substances Act allows SAHPRA to authorise the sale of a medicine that isn't registered, for a specific patient. The application is made by a registered medical practitioner. The authorisation names the patient, the product (or type of product), the quantity and the period it's valid for.
We keep only what we need to dispense lawfully: the authorisation number, the prescriber and their HPCSA registration number, the authorised scope, the validity period and the monthly quantity. We deliberately don't record your diagnosis or condition: health information is special personal information under POPIA, and we don't need it.
Our authorised dispensers are happy to talk you through the process in private. Find your nearest store, or if you're already registered, open the dispensary.