In October 2018, Zootly started its journey to become one of South Africa’s first online cannabis stores. Setting the standard for local marijuana paraphernalia, knowledge, and good vibes.
A lot has changed since those early days, and here’s how the local cannabis scene has grown with it:
- On 18 September 2018, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development v Prince decision by the Constitutional Court of South Africa decriminalised the private use, possession, and cultivation of cannabis by adults in private spaces.
- On 23 May 2019, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) excluded cannabidiol (CBD) under certain conditions (maximum 20 mg daily dose, minimal THC) for 12 months.
- The Cannabis for Private Purposes Act 7 of 2024 was assented to on 28 May 2024. It provides a statutory framework for adult private use, possession, and cultivation of cannabis for personal use, sets possession limits, and allows expungement of prior convictions.
- In March 2025, the South African Department of Health banned the production, sale, and import of cannabis- and hemp-infused food products under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act.
For a few years, as South Africa’s first online cannabis store, Zootly really tried to be everything cannabis, from selling:
- Growing medium,
- Cannabis infused coffee pods,
- Artisan clay pipes,
- Ceramic bongs
- Grow tents
- Ceramic Blumat self-watering cones
- Chicken-flavoured CBD oil
- And more!
However, when COVID-19 swept our nation, a lot changed in every retail space, which meant that the powers that be at Zootly had to focus on what mattered: what you wanted.
What South Africa’s Online Cannabis Fans Wanted
It turns out that after much deliberation, Zootly decided to follow what our shoppers wanted and refine our offering.
Now, Zootly stocks an extensive selection of CBD Plus (THC) products, and as usual, has been a trailblazer.
Currently, Zootly will deliver nationwide and straight to your door any of these vaping products, which include:
- Carts (1ml) [First cannabis company locally to sell them]
- Disposable vapes (1ml and 2ml)
- Live rosin (1ml)
- Rosin dab (1g)
And our edible range that includes:
- Mini chocolates
- Bonbons
- Fudge
- Jellies
- And lollipops
Several products we still sell are:
- Dry herb vapes
- Seeds
- Bongs
- Grinders
- Spare parts for these vaping devices
- And more!
It’s been a wild ride so far, being one of South Africa’s first online cannabis stores, but it’s been rewarding as we’ve made loads of friends and memories along the way.
