THE Medical Innovation Bill, a bill to legalise the use of marijuana in South Africa for medical, economic and industrial purposes, was introduced into parliament last month.
The bill was submitted by Member of Parliament Mario Ambrosini of the Inkatha Freedom Party, who was diagnosed with in-operable, stage four lung cancer.
The Medical Innovation Bill aims to make provision for innovations in medical treatments by legalising the use of marijuana.
Marijuana has been well documented in the scientific community as a treatment for cancer, and the world is taking note. On a daily basis, more and more marijuana and cancer success stories are surfacing online.
Last year, Ambrosini publicly stated he was pursuing an alternative treatment for his cancer.
Although the studies on the harmfulness of marijuana are inconclusive and contradictory, some doctors agree that it is not very harmful if used in moderation.
Like all drugs, it is only when one abuses the drug that problems start to occur.
Many doctors believe that marijuana is no more addictive than alcohol or tobacco.
Although some studies have been disputed, findings were that marijuana abuse has been linked to brain damage, cancer, lung damage, depression and even death.
Other concerns have also been raised among the general public, such as that marijuana as a ‘gateway’ drug or a stepping stone leading to harder drugs use.
Legalisation, it is said, could increase the chances of the drug falling into the hands of children.
On the other hand, an enormous amount of money is raised through government taxation of alcohol, cigarettes and other drugs which are considered to be vices.
The legalisation of marijuana would create another taxable avenue.
• What do Zululanders think about the suggestion? Should the use of marijuana for medical, economic and industrial purposes be legalised in South Africa?
