MALALANE – The use and possession of marijuana are illegal in South Africa and community members are urged to report users and dealers to their nearest police station.
Since it is relatively cheap and easy to come by, with seemingly little side effects, it has become socially acceptable to use it in certain circles and people often overlook its dangers.
According to Malalane SAPS spokesman Sgt Bheki Nkosi, dagga is the most commonly used illegal drug and is usually found as the dry, shredded mix of the flowers, stems, and leaves of the hemp plant Cannabis sativa.
“It is usually smoked as a cigarette (referred to as a joint) or cigars emptied of tobacco and refilled with dagga (a blunt). The smoke has a pungent and distinctive sweet-and-sour smell. Dagga is known as a gateway drug as abusers are usually more susceptible to start abusing others such as cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens or methamphetamines,” Nkosi explained.
It only takes a few minutes for the effects to appear and a “high” can last from a few minutes to several hours. Nkosi adds that drug users experience feelings of mild euphoria, occasional hallucinations, increased perceptions, short-term memory loss, giggling and occasionally anxiety and paranoia.
These are accompanied by thirst, an increase in appetite, increased heart rate, a dry mouth and red eyes.
While these side-effects may not sound particularly dangerous, prolonged usage can cause a significant drop in IQ, problems with studying, learning new skills and recalling recent events.
Other effects can include:
• Glassy, red eyes
• Sleepiness at strange times
• Loss of interest in hobbies and other favourite activities
• Weight gain or loss
• Lung and respiratory problems (like with tobacco smoking).
There are several ways to help addicts, but loved ones and professionals need to work with them. Families and addicts can seek help from professional organisations such as the Alcohol and Drug Help Centre Lowveld in Mbombela. It helps to treat and counsel drug addicts. Enquiries: 013-752-4376.
Another great organisation is Healing Wings, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre in the Sudwala area. It has a holistic approach to healing, which incorporates Christian principles. Enquiries: 071-670-6261 or admin@healingwings.co.za.
If you are unsure about help in your area, you can contact the National Substance Abuse Helpline on 080-012-1314 or send an SMS to 32312 any time of day or night. Operators will provide free telephonic counselling, information on support groups or treatment clinics and referrals.
