Last week, the State of the Nation Address (SONA) was delivered by the president of the Republic of South Africa.
The Members of Parliament (MP) had a chance to debate some of the points that were highlighted in the president’s speech.
Dr Mario Oriani-Ambrosini made a plea to the president that he has known for more than 20 years.
“I’m speaking to you today somehow as a changed man, not to oppose, but to plead with you to provide the laws on behalf of many people in my condition who do not have a voice.”
Oriani-Ambrosini admitted to illegally having smoked dagga in South Africa as an alternative treatment to his condition.
“I was supposed to die many months ago and I am here because I had the courage of taking illegal treatments in Italy in the form of bicarbonate of soda and here in South Africa in the form of cannabis, marijuana or dagga. Otherwise I would be pumped with morphine and I would not be able to speak to you Mr President,” said Oriani-Ambrosini.
President Zuma said: “I was touched to see the man I have known and worked with for more than 20 years in this condition. I have asked the Minister of Health to look into this matter.”
His comments received support from Public Service and Administration Minister Lindiwe Sisulu, who said the government was very interested in the research.
IFP MP Oriani-Ambrosini introduced the “Medical Innovation Bill” which seeks to legalise cannabis in South Africa for medical, economic and industrial purposes.
Public Service and Administration Minister Lindiwe Sisulu said: “Mr Ambrosini, I have worked with you for many years and it hurts me to see you in the state that you are in. I had a word, as you were speaking, with the Minister of Health and he indicates to me we are really keen to follow up on the discussion and research around the world on the issue of the potential of decriminalising medical marijuana. We are a caring society.”
