Decriminalizing the use of Cannabis

South Africa’s Constitutional Court has decriminalised the private consumption and use of cannabis for adults. This landmark decision by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo this week means that it will no longer be a criminal offence for an adult to be in possession of cannabis in private use. However many have been questioning how this judgement will affect substance abuse policies in the workplace and how this will impact the use of illegal drug. Parliament will now have to consider this court decision and consider introducing a new bill to put into effect this court decision.

To assist us on this we are joined:

• Mr John Smith, counsellor in rehabilitation of drugs and substance abuse at Changes Treatment Centre

• Sister Kerry from the House of Judah Rastafarian Community

• Unathi Sonwabile Henama, lecturer at the department of tourism management from the Tshwane University of Technology