The 2018 Prince Judgment and What It Changed

The 2018 Prince Judgment and What It Changed

So, you've heard things are a bit different with cannabis in South Africa these days. You're right. A lot has changed, and it can be confusing trying to figure out the rules for yourself. Let's clear things up. The big shift happened back in 2018 with a huge court ruling everyone calls the 'Prince judgment'.

First things first, this is not legal advice. I'm just a friend giving you the rundown. Laws can and do change, so it's always smart to double check the latest official rules. What I can do is explain what's been happening since 2018 and how it affects the private clubs you'll find on Zazapass.

Understanding the Prince Judgment of 2018

The Prince judgment came from South Africa's Constitutional Court. That's the highest court in the country, so when it speaks, people listen. This particular decision from 2018 was a big one. It decriminalised some aspects of cannabis use.

So what does that actually mean for you? It means it's no longer a crime for an adult to use, have, or grow cannabis. But there's a catch, and it's important. It's only for your own private use. You can do these things in your own home or another private place, well away from the public.

It helps to know the difference between 'decriminalised' and 'legalised'. Decriminalised just means you won't get a criminal record for it. It doesn't mean it's a total free for all. For example, you still can't just open a shop and start selling cannabis. That part is still illegal.

The Cannabis for Private Purposes Act (2024)

A few years later, the government made things even clearer. In May 2024, the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act was signed into law. This law gives more detail and rules about using cannabis privately. It builds on the groundwork from that 2018 court decision.

The main idea is the same. Adults can use, have, and grow cannabis in private. The key word here is private. Smoking out in public is still a no go. And just like with booze, driving under the influence of cannabis is a serious offence with big consequences. Be smart and be safe.

The Role of Private Clubs

This is where private clubs and Zazapass partner venues fit in. These places understand the law and operate as private spaces. You can think of them like a club where entry is controlled. You usually need to be a certain age and show a valid ID to get in.

These clubs offer a safe and respectful setting where you can privately use cannabis, just as the law allows. They are not selling cannabis. They simply provide a space, like your own home, where you can legally exercise your right to private use. That is a very important distinction.

Zazapass sells one-year entry passes to some of these great spots. The best part of having a Zazapass is saving on the club's entry fee for a full year. You'll often get in quicker, too. Your entry pass gets you through the door. It never, ever covers the purchase of cannabis, because selling it is still against the law.

Discovering Zazapass Partner Clubs in South Africa

If you want to check out these kinds of private spaces, Zazapass works with several clubs around South Africa. They are all set up to provide a comfortable and legal environment for adults who are 21 or older and have a valid ID.

Cape Town Venues

Cape Town has some excellent choices. These places are much more than just a spot to hang out, with plenty of extras to make your visit great. You can get a one-year entry pass to each for EUR 15.

• The Alibi Cape Town, Bree Street Area, Cape Town CBD: A cool, multi-level spot right in the city centre. The Alibi has private lounges, creative workspaces, and even a full kitchen if you get hungry. Learn more about The Alibi Cape Town.
• Nirvana Cafe Sea Point, Sea Point, Cape Town: This club in Sea Point is spread over several floors and has something for everyone. You'll find private lounges, workspaces, meeting rooms, a library, a kitchen and cafe, pool tables, and terraces. They have free Wi-Fi, so it's good for getting work done or just chilling out. Explore Nirvana Cafe Sea Point.
• Nirvana Cafe Blouberg, Table View / Blouberg, Cape Town: This is the sister venue to the Sea Point cafe, but with an amazing coastal setting in Table View. It has all the same great facilities, just with an ocean breeze. Discover Nirvana Cafe Blouberg.

For more places in Cape Town, you can always have a look at our Cape Town city page for the latest.

Johannesburg Venues

Johannesburg also has a great Zazapass partner club offering a similar private experience.

• Budrock Cafe, Johannesburg: This is a unique spot for adults in Joburg. Just like our other partners, it’s a private setting that follows all the current rules. Find out more about Budrock Cafe.

We don't have a partner in Pretoria just yet, but Johannesburg is only about 60 km down the road. We're always looking to add more clubs, so keep an eye on our all clubs page for anything new.

How Zazapass Works

Getting a Zazapass is simple. You buy a one-year entry pass for the club you want to visit. After you buy it, the club's exact address will show up in your Zazapass account. This is to protect the privacy of these exclusive places and keep everything above board.

Remember, the entry pass gets you into the club. It is not for buying cannabis there. The clubs just provide a private space for you to enjoy your time responsibly, following the law.

For a complete list of every entry pass we have, just head to our passes page. If you want to see a map of all our partner clubs, check out our map.

Staying Informed

The rules around cannabis are still changing all over the world. Here in South Africa, the 2018 Prince judgment and the new Cannabis for Private Purposes Act have made the situation for private adult use much clearer. It’s still on you to know your responsibilities. Always check the current laws. Our job is to let you know about the private clubs you can access with Zazapass, not to give you legal advice.

If you're looking for other useful information, feel free to browse our other guides.

FAQ

What did the 2018 Prince judgment change in South Africa?

The 2018 Prince judgment was a decision from the Constitutional Court that decriminalised using, possessing, and growing cannabis for adults in private. So, it's no longer a criminal act for adults to do these things in a private space.

Can I buy cannabis at Zazapass partner clubs?

No. Selling cannabis is still illegal in South Africa. A Zazapass entry pass only covers your entry fee to these private clubs. They give you a legal space to exercise your right to private use, but they do not sell cannabis.

What does "private use" mean in this context?

"Private use" means you can only use cannabis in a private place, like your home or a private club, not in public. Smoking in public is not allowed. Driving while impaired is also illegal and has serious penalties. It's all about being responsible and following the law.