The recent ‘dagga Springbok‘ trial in Roodepoort set tongues wagging. In residents’ own small way they contributed to the current global debate whether to puff or not to puff – but the issue is far more complex than just having a ‘good’ time.
In most states in America both the medicinal and recreational use of the herb is now legal. Many other countries are set to follow their example. In South Africa though the plant is still heavily stigmatised but a handful of people are starting to wake up to the fact that the plant has a variety of health benefits – some conspiracy theorists would say to the ire of the multibillion dollar pharmaceutical industry.
But that is about to change.
Following a two-year process of deliberations, investigations and research prompted by the Medical Innovation Bill, an announcement by Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Health was made yesterday (23 November) that the Department of Health will soon regulate access to medicinal cannabis for prescribed health conditions.
This is a victory for every South African unnecessarily suffering because of HIV/AIDS, severe chronic pain, severe muscle spasms, vomiting or wasting arising from cancer, or severe seizures resulting from epileptic conditions where other treatment options have failed or have intolerable side effects.
IFP Chief Whip in Parliament, Narend Singh, lauded this announcement as a victory for his late colleague, Dr Mario Oriani-Ambrosini MP, who introduced the Medical Innovation Bill (MIB) in the midst of his own battle with terminal cancer. Following his death in 2014, Singh reintroduced the MIB to ensure that this vital issue would stay on the table.
Speaking after the announcement by the Medicines Control Council and the Portfolio Committee on Health yesterday, he said, “This heralds a great step forward for public access and research into the use of medicinal cannabis. I feel a great sense of relief. I must thank the Department for taking up this issue with such passionate concern for our people. What matters now is that the Department ensures that access to medicinal cannabis will not be restricted to the rich, but that anyone who needs it will be able to afford it, and get it.”
The Department has indicated that the new regulatory framework could be available as early as the end of January 2017 for stakeholder comment, and could be implemented as soon as April 2017.
“Today I saw MPs across the political spectrum join together for the common good of all South Africans. The introduction of Dr Oriani-Ambrosini’s Bill in 2014 galvanised a concerted effort by all stakeholders, the result being that we will shortly have a working blueprint and regulatory framework for access to medicinal cannabis in South Africa. We look forward to seeing that happen,” concluded Singh.
(How do you feel about this issue? Let us know in the comment box below and join in some healthy debate.)
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