South Africa
The constitutional court in South Africa on Tuesday delivered a judgment that private use of marijuana, locally referred to as dagga, is not a criminal offence.
“The right to privacy is not confined to a home or private dwelling. It will not be a criminal offence for an adult person to use or be in possession of cannabis in private space,” deputy chief justice Raymond Zondo said on Tuesday.
Every year, thousands of South Africans march on the streets of Cape Town demanding a relaxation of drugs laws to allow medicinal and recreational use of cannabis.
More often than not, marchers are seen smoking the substance in a backdrop of reggae music, while waving red, green and gold flags.
Thousands take part in pro-cannabis protests in South Africa – AfricaNews https://t.co/OOWPfmaN5Y #cannabis #marijuana
— MarijuanaFOUR20 (@MarijuanaFour20) May 8, 2016
In 2014, a South African opposition lawmaker Mario Oriani-Ambrosini submitted a draft legislation calling for the legalisation of marijuana but died soon after.
Activists have long held that a change in legislation can change the lives and improve the health of many. The protest is one of a series of marches around the world in support of the Global Cannabis Campaign.
Use of cannabis and medicinal marijuana is gaining popularity in some parts of the world to ease suffering from cancer, glaucoma, HIV and AIDS, and other serious conditions.
@alfaafrican
Go to video
Uganda's constitutional court to hear challenges against anti-homosexuality law
Go to video
Rugby World Cup 2023: Springboks draw fans to Toulon
Go to video
Rugby World Cup: Pollard to play for South Africa against Tonga
01:10
Namibia suspends imports of South African chickens due to Avian flu outbreak
01:02
Pics of the day: September 26, 2023
Go to video
Pics of the day: September 25, 2023