ADVERTISEMENT

South Africa legalizes the 'private' use of weed

Following in the footsteps of western colonies that have legalized the controlled use of supposed recreational psychoactive, South Africa makes a huge statement for Africa

First, South Africa was the fifth country — the first (and only, as of August 2017) in Africa, the first in the southern hemisphere, the first republic — and the second outside Europe to legalize same-sex marriage through its Civil Union Act of 2006. Now, it has taken a step towards legalizing the use of Marijuana.

South Africa’s apex court unanimously upheld a ruling from a lower court and called banning of the drug, “unconstitutional and therefore invalid,” following in the steps of Lesothoand Zimbabwe which both legalized cannabis for medical use.

ADVERTISEMENT

The right is however only available to adults — presumably over 18-years old — to also grow cannabis and use the drug in private — meaning their homes and never in public.

Underlining the decision, Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo wrote in his judgment that, “It will not be a criminal offense for an adult person to use or be in possession of cannabis in private for his or her personal consumption.”

The South African government had previously rejected the legalization of, ‘dagga,’ Zulu name for cannabis, considering it harmful to health and mental health.

The Court has given the parliament 24 months to adopt the ruling and turn it into Law as well as determine the legal quantity. However, public consumption and trading of cannabis are still outlawed.

ADVERTISEMENT

This is interesting and it comes after doctors confirmed that cannabis consumption kills cancer cells.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Perpetrators must face the law - Plateau com demands Justice for minor's murder

Perpetrators must face the law - Plateau com demands Justice for minor's murder

Peter Obi breaking fast with Muslims in Abuja mosque gets Nigerians talking

Peter Obi breaking fast with Muslims in Abuja mosque gets Nigerians talking

Video of weird school competition shows young students licking one another's feet

Video of weird school competition shows young students licking one another's feet

UniCal records highest number of first class graduates in 49 years

UniCal records highest number of first class graduates in 49 years

Army announces names of 17 soldiers killed in shocking Delta attack

Army announces names of 17 soldiers killed in shocking Delta attack

Ooni wants Ile-Ife, Modakeke indigenes to live together peacefully

Ooni wants Ile-Ife, Modakeke indigenes to live together peacefully

'Politics is not about being negative every time' — Peter Obi

'Politics is not about being negative every time' — Peter Obi

Army thinks Okuama community planned shocking murder of 16 soldiers in Delta

Army thinks Okuama community planned shocking murder of 16 soldiers in Delta

27,600 Benue women to receive grants, loans for business growth, self reliant

27,600 Benue women to receive grants, loans for business growth, self reliant

Pulse Sports

Super Eagles Bright Osayi-Samuel punches pitch invader as violence erupts following Trabzonspor vs Fenerbahce

Super Eagles Bright Osayi-Samuel punches pitch invader as violence erupts following Trabzonspor vs Fenerbahce

Naija Stars Abroad: Moffi, Chukwueze battle Oshoala, Echegini for POTW

Naija Stars Abroad: Moffi, Chukwueze battle Oshoala, Echegini for POTW

Report: Super Eagles get new coach for Ghana and Mali clash

Report: Super Eagles get new coach for Ghana and Mali clash

Osimhen misses out on N17b payday after Napoli's UCL loss to Barcelona

Osimhen misses out on N17b payday after Napoli's UCL loss to Barcelona

‘Thank you’ - Osimhen’s girlfriend Stefanie Ladewig grateful for being the mother of his child

‘Thank you’ - Osimhen’s girlfriend Stefanie Ladewig grateful for being the mother of his child

4 reasons why Victor Osimhen should choose Arsenal over Chelsea, Manchester United and PSG

4 reasons why Victor Osimhen should choose Arsenal over Chelsea, Manchester United and PSG

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT