Highest Court In South Africa Legalizes Cannabis Use

The law also allows citizens to grow their own for personal consumption as well. Times are changing, this may be a small victory in natural freedom, but it just goes to show that the people do have power. Just a few short years ago the pursuit to legalize cannabis seemed futile at best, now it feels like just a matter of time before the majority of the world jumps on board! Most recently, South Africa’s highest court has legalized the use of cannabis by adults in private places only. After a unanimous ruling, pro marijuana activists cheered in the public gallery chanting, “Weed are free now!” Judges also legalized the growing of marijuana for private consumption.

The government of South Africa had opposed the legalization arguing that the drug was harmful to people’s health.

The Constitutional Court, however declared the law that criminalized the use of cannabis in the first place, unconstitutional and invalid and gave the government 24 months to come up with a new set of laws that respected South African’s right to privacy “in their private spheres.” It will no longer be a “criminal offence for an adult person to be in possession of cannabis in private for his or her personal consumption.” It will however, still be illegal to use the drug in public places, sell it or supply it. Prior to this ruling the laws regarding cannabis use were strict and could result in 15 years in prison and up to 25 years for selling it. Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo said, “It will not be a criminal offence for an adult person to use or be in possession of cannabis in private for his or her personal consumption.” Rastafarians rejoiced outside the court hall celebrating the huge success. Scenes from outside the Constitutional Court on Tuesday. @TeamNews24 pic.twitter.com/cK1rHCH39D — Iavan Pijoos (@iavanpijoos) September 18, 2018 As more awareness continues to grow, we are seeing just how powerful the people really are by coming together and doing what they can to make a difference in the world. When compared to a substance like alcohol that is addictive, harmful, can cause rage and depression and often comes at a great cost to the user and their family, it really makes little sense as to why there would still be any prohibition on the use of cannabis. It seems as though the courts are starting to agree, and seeing why really, it makes little sense to ban the use of cannabis and send people to jail for it — now really, that’s just absurd. As mentioned above, what once may have seemed impossible is now proving to be very possible in fact. This is just another reminder that we the people do have a say, and if there are aspects of our society that don’t align with our values, or don’t make any sense, we can do our part by speaking up and working towards changing them. Things aren’t always as concrete as they may appear, this is a great example of why we should never give up hope. “Never doubt that a small group of committed individuals can change the world, indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead Much Love .

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