“So you thought dagga is legal,” said Wedge Gardens Treatment Centre social worker Karen Griessel.
According to Griessel, the medicinal and psycho-active effects associated with marijuana are caused by chemical structures called cannabinoids which are found in the actual plant.
The two main ones are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
“While one can have helpful side-effects, the other affects the mental processes of the user,” Griessel explained.
“CBD is not psycho-active, which in layman’s terms means it does not make you ‘high’. In fact, research has shown that it can reduce anxiety and related conditions.”
CBD is legal in South Africa and therefore many online sites openly market their medicinal dagga oils.
“We picked up a pamphlet advertising a brand of cannabis oil. Pamphlets like these are readily available as sellers fight for market share. At R1 800 for 15ml it is outrageously expensive. What is even more concerning, however, is that on this particular pamphlet, THC is also openly advertised as being available for sale.”
Griessel said THC is the psycho-active element of dagga.
“In other words, it is the primary active ingredient that produces euphoric effects and changes brain functions. It alters perception, mood, consciousness or behaviour, and is quite different to medicinal cannabis oil.
“The reality is that THC will always be available on the black market,” she said.
“As it is, the Medicines Act already makes provision for the use of cannabis for medical purposes. Cannabis is listed as a Schedule 7 substance, which makes possession of the plant illegal. However, all products imported and sold with claims relating to therapeutic effects are scheduled as Schedule 6 medicines.
“Patients may only use it under supervision and must follow a strict set of guidelines,” Griessel cautioned. “CBD or dagga oil is a Schedule 4 substance. This means that you can obtain the medicine with a prescription from a medical practitioner only.”
In addition, earlier this year the Western Cape High Court declared certain sections of the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act and the Medicines and Related Substances Act to be inconsistent with the Constitution and thus invalid.
“However, before this court decision takes effect, the Constitutional Court must confirm the declaration of invalidity,” Griessel said. “If confirmed, it will be suspended for some months to allow Parliament to correct the defects as set out in the judgement.
“This means that once the suspension period has passed, cannabis may be used by an adult in private dwellings where the possession, purchase or cultivation of cannabis is for personal consumption by an adult.
“For now, despite THC being openly advertised, its use remains illegal.”
For more information contact Wedge Gardens on 011 430 0320.
