THE decriminalisation of cannabis was thrust into the spotlight at the recent South African Education Law Association (SAELA) conference held in Cape Town.
Members of the Young People of South Africa (CYPSA) questioned whether the recreational drug, also known as dagga or marijuana, could negatively impact the minds, lives of the country’s youth if it was legalised.
Several scenarios were presented to those in attendance and included the well documented correlation between cannabis use and a lowered intelligence quotient (IQ) levels among youth as well as an increase in matric failure and drop-out rates.
Pupils who are exposed to cannabis use at home are also said to be affected in a manner similar to the children of tobacco users, who inhale ‘second-hand smoke.’
The question was also raised as to how the department would deal with teachers who smoked cannabis prior to commencing work or on school property when it became their right to do so?
It was agreed by all in attendance, including representatives of some of the country’s largest teacher’s unions, that such barriers to the provision of quality education could not be entertained and that it was necessary to take action in order to preserve children’s right to a good education and a bright future.
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