Dagga is not so innocent …
Cannabis legislation/decriminalisation might therefore become a major concern in education within a few years.
Proposed legislation is moving towards the legalisation of cannabis for medical and/ or recreational purposes. The term ‘medicinal use’ is currently misunderstood by the public, including school pupils, creating the perception that ‘it is only a plant’ or ‘if it can be used as medicine, it should be ok’.
Doctors understand the term ‘medicinal use’ to mean the extraction of a molecule and the research of it. There are more than 60 different cannabinoids in dagga, with THC being the most toxic component. The potency of THC has escalated during the past few years, with especially high concentrations found in South Africa.
Moreover, the numerous adverse effects of cannabis use amongst adolescents and young adults have been well documented. Some of the effects of cannabis on the adolescent are: short-term memory problems, judgement impairment and longer-term risks of altered brain development, lowered IQ, cognitive impairment, psychiatric symptoms, psychosis, schizophrenia and substance addiction.
Preliminary results on drug use among over 4 000 South African adolescents and young male adult drug users suggest that an overwhelming majority (approximately 98 per cent) start with cannabis and then move to other illicit drugs. This is often followed by users turning to crime.
The largest group of first-time users of cannabis occurs among children of school-going age. The main reason given for cannabis use was peer pressure. These youngsters are especially vulnerable to detrimental neurological effects, which last for life.
Cannabis legislation/ decriminalisation might therefore become a major concern in education within a few years. It is imperative that the implications of cannabis legislation amendments should be discussed, in particular the use of cannabis on school grounds, opposite the school gates and at school functions.
The competing rights of learners should be recognised and weighed up, for example the right to freedom of choice and the right to personal security, the right to education and a safe environment, the best interests of the child and the right of access to health care services.
The amendments not only have serious social implications, but also legal implications. These should be addressed timeously.
