MERRY-JANE SECTION 21

The lawful purchase of cannabis is restricted and only accessible through a regulated medical framework.

1. In South Africa, access to medical cannabis involves a complex process that puts it out of reach for many. While private adult use at home has constitutional protection, the purchase and supply of cannabis outside the medical framework remain unlawful.
2. Accordingly, the only compliant route is the medical pathway: assessment by an HPCSA-registered practitioner, SAHPRA Section 21 authorisation (patient- and product-specific), a Schedule 6 prescription, and dispensing by a SAPC-registered pharmacy.
3. Until regulations evolve, our collective aligns members to this fully legal, traceable route so care is accessed safely and confidently, positioning both the collective and its members for any future policy changes.

We remove the complexity for the individual and navigate the process together, making legal access simple and effortless.

The following safeguards are involved being the considerations necessary to offer this service to our collective.

1. SAHPRA – The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority regulates medical use of cannabis and issues Section 21 authorisations for unregistered medicines.
2. HPCSA – The Health Professions Council of South Africa regulates practitioners who assess, prescribe and monitor patients.
3. SAPC – The South African Pharmacy Council regulates pharmacies and pharmacists who compound/dispense and ensure secure handling.
4. SECTION 21 of the Medicines Act – is the legal pathway that allows a practitioner to apply for patient‑specific access to an unregistered medicine (e.g., a specific cannabis product), subject to SAHPRA approval.

Together, these safeguards ensure medical cannabis is managed safely, compliantly and with full traceability.

We’ve mapped every requirement and protocol so that patients can focus on what matters most, while we take care of the requirements and protocols.

Several issues sit “behind the scenes” and end up on the patient’s shoulders unless a coordinated service manages them. The system is complex, capacity is limited, and too often misaligned with the developing markets.

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES

1. Personal Response Varies
   Implication: One “registered medicine per diagnosis” logic doesn’t map neatly to cannabis, patients often need a guided trial to identify a suitable chemovar or format.
   • Cannabis is not one-size-fits-all. Individual endocannabinoid tone, co-medications, and sensitivity differ.
   • Chemovars matter. Two Type I products can feel different if terpene profiles diverge.
   • Format and route change the experience. Oil, capsule, metered vapouriser, and flower have different onset / duration and dosing rhythms.
2. Sourcing Variety is Complex (and costly) on your own
   Implication → A single patient can’t realistically assemble a safe, compliant “trial set” from multiple sources.
   • Registered supply is fragmented. Small trial quantities are difficult to obtain, suppliers prefer bulk orders.
   • Inventory risk for pharmacies. Stocking many variants “just in case” is commercially impractical and ties up capital.
   • Distribution constraints. Chain-of-custody, storage, and courier rules add complexity.
3. Limited Clinical Capacity
   Implication → Patients spend time and money finding a willing clinician and keeping paperwork aligned.
   • Few HPCSA-registered clinicians are experienced and comfortable with evidence-informed cannabis care and Section 21 motivation.
   • Traditional Healers (valuable for integrative care) cannot prescribe or apply under Section 21.
   • Coordination burden (records, renewals, dose reviews) is high without a structured programme.
4. Dispensing and Distribution Realities
   Implication → Even compliant pharmacies may not carry the breadth required for patient-by-patient trials.
   • SAPC-registered pharmacies must maintain strict records, storage, and traceability.
   • Broad catalogues are impractical without predictable demand and a platform to move stock responsibly.
5. Regulatory Environment is Evolving
   Implication → Pending reforms, the medical pathway remains the only lawful route, industry growth is constrained and many patients experience delays and frustration.
   • Schedule 6, unregistered medicine status requires Section 21 per patient, per product, typically every six months.
   • Policy may change in future, but until then, a fully compliant pathway is the only lawful option.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR PATIENTS

Without coordinated support, patients face delays, uncertainty, and limited choice. Many give up or default to grey-market options, exposing themselves to legal risk and inconsistent quality.

A SUBSCRIPTION PROVIDE A SOLUTION
We remove the complexity from the individual and navigate the process together, making lawful access simple and effortless while keeping care clinician-supervised and fully compliant.

1. Guided Trials, Safely
   We curate a formulary (i.e. Script Rolls – Day / Balance / Night; oils/capsules) so you can identify a fit without hunting for supply.
2. Centralised Section 21
   We prepare and submit patient- and product-specific applications and manage renewals.
3. Clinician Network
   Access to HPCSA-registered practitioners who understand dosing, interactions, and monitoring.
4. Pharmacy Fulfilment
   SAPC-registered dispensing with counselling, storage guidance, and batch COAs for every item.
5. Online Health + Logistics
   Convenient assessments and collection/delivery options with full traceability.
6. Records & Reminders
   Secure documentation, renewal prompts, and outcome tracking.

The solution is primarily for our Collective Members. It’s free to join however a subscription option is required for us to return the value to the collective.

1. Anyone seeking lawful, traceable access to avoid grey-market risks.
2. People who want clinical oversight i.e. clear dosing, follow-ups, and safety checks.
3. First-time or cautious users who prefer pharmacist counselling and batch COAs.
4. Busy professionals or caregivers who want end-to-end coordination and paperwork handled.
5. Rural or remote patients needing telehealth assessment and pharmacy fulfilment.
6. Those needing specific formats or documentation (oils / capsules / vaporisers or for workplace or insurance papers).

If you want lawful, traceable access with real clinical oversight, avoiding grey-market risk, this service gives you a single compliant pathway.

→ Access remains subject to clinical suitability and SAHPRA Section 21 approval.

This step-by-step guide shows exactly how lawful access works – what you do, what we handle, and how long each step takes.

1. Eligibility Check → A quick evaluation to see if you are suitable for cannabis treatments. (based on regulatory requirements)
   • Involvement → You need to answer a few questions to see if you are medical eligible to use cannabis online.
   • Duration → 30 seconds
   • Frequency → one time only
2. Registration and Consent → Register on the portal and giving consent to the doctor to evaluate and prescribe cannabis.
   • Involvement → Provide your name and personal details, digitally upload your ID and digitally sign a doctors consent from for treatment.
   • Duration → 5 minutes (inclusive of reading the consent details).
   • Frequency → one time only
3. Clinical Assessment → A suitably registered practitioner evaluates your condition, treatment history and suitability for cannabis‑based therapy.
   • Involvement → A virtual consultation with the doctor over your phone or pc through our portal.
   • Duration → usually 5 – 10 minutes.
   • Frequency → every six-months.
4. Section 21 Application → Your practitioner submits a patient‑ and product‑specific application to SAHPRA with clinical rationale.
   • Involvement → no patient involvement.
   • Duration → usually same day as consultation or following business day.
   • Frequency → every six-months.
5. Prescription & Approval → On approval, the practitioner issues a Schedule 6 prescription matching the authorised product, dose and duration.
   • Involvement → no patient involvement.
   • Duration → usually 5 – 10 business days – SAHPRA dependent.
   • Frequency → every six-months.
6. Pharmacy Dispensing → A licensed pharmacy supplies the authorised product, maintains chain‑of‑custody records, and provides use & storage guidance.
   • Involvement → no patient involvement.
   • Duration → ready to dispense upon prescription approval.
   • Frequency → patient can collect from collection points or delivery can be requested as required.
7. Monitoring & Follow‑up → Outcomes, side‑effects and dosing are reviewed; refills / renewals require ongoing clinical oversight and, where needed, updated authorisation.
   • Involvement → second virtual consultation with practitioner.
   • Duration → usually 5 – 10 minutes.
   • Frequency → every six-months or as needed.

AT A GLANCE

Complete a 30-second eligibility check and a one-time 5-minute registration, complete a virtual consultation with the doctor, and our medical admin team the rest – Section 21 authorisation, Schedule 6 script, and pharmacy dispensing. We also manage renewals and quick check-ins, with collection or delivery as you prefer.

Getting access to treatment through the Section 21 process involves a few steps, and each step comes with its own costs. We’ve outlined them here so you can understand where your money goes, and why these fees exist.

These costs aren’t random or “extra” charges, they come from the professionals and official services needed to make your application possible, safely and legally.

DOCTOR CONSULTATIONS

Each patient must consult with a qualified medical practitioner to initiate the Section 21 medicinal cannabis process. Typically, two consultations are required, an initial assessment and a follow-up appointment to monitor treatment progress. Consultation fees generally range between R250 and R750 per visit, depending on the practitioner’s location and practice structure.

It is strongly recommended that patients consult a medical practitioner experienced in cannabinoid therapy, as this specialised field requires specific clinical knowledge not yet common among general practitioners.

SAHPRA APPLICATION FEES

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) charges an official fee of R400 per script. Since approvals are valid for six months, you’ll need two applications per year if you continue treatment.

PHARMACY DISPENSING FEES

Pharmacies also charge dispensing fees, which are part of their normal professional service. These fees help cover the time, care, and record-keeping involved in safely preparing and providing your medication.

ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT

Behind the scenes, doctors, pharmacists, and administrators handle the paperwork, coordination, and compliance needed for a successful application. This medical administration work also carries a cost, as it ensures your process runs smoothly and according to regulations.

COURIER, PACKAGING AND LABELING FEES

Once your medication is prepared, it must be professionally packaged, labelled, and dispatched in accordance with medical and regulatory standards. These steps ensure that each prescription is secure, discreet, and traceable during transit.

Courier and packaging fees cover:

• Protective, compliant packaging designed for medical transport
• Prescription labelling with patient and dosage details
• Nationwide courier delivery directly to your door

These fees help ensure your medication arrives safely, on time, and in perfect condition, while maintaining full compliance with medical handling protocols.

UNDERSTANDING THE COST

Most of the costs involved in the Section 21 process come from the professionals who make it possible, your doctor, pharmacist, and the official authorities who process and manage your application.

By understanding where these fees come from, you’ll have a clearer picture of what you’re paying for, expert care, regulatory compliance, and safe access to the medicine you need.