South Africa has paved the way for a green revolution and legalised cannabis for personal use. On 28 May, President Cyril Ramaphosa made history with his signature, making South Africa the first African country to take the step towards a green future. We took a look at what exactly this means and what impact legalisation will have on the economy and culture.
IS CANNABIS LEGAL IN SOUTH AFRICA?
After Germany made headlines this year with the partial legalisation of weed, becoming the next country within the European Union that has removed Weed from the list of banned substances in the Narcotics Act after Malta and Luxembourg, South Africa has done away with long overdue stigma and legalised cannabis.
WHAT ARE THE CANNABIS RULES IN SOUTH AFRICA?
Adults aged 18 and over can use cannabis in private places and grow up to four flowering plants per person (or eight per household). They can also possess unlimited cannabis seeds and seedlings and up to four flowering cannabis plants per person or eight per household (for two or more adults). Up to 100 grams of dried cannabis is permitted in public and up to 600 grams per person or 1,200 grams per household in private spaces. Consumption and smoking of cannabis remain prohibited in public spaces. It is also permitted to give away up to 30 seeds or seedlings, one flowering plant or 100 grams of dried cannabis – without payment.
This not only means a considerable relief for the judiciary, as countless criminal proceedings for small amounts of cannabis are now a thing of the past, but also a new freedom for many citizens who see cannabis as part of their daily lives. The legislation creates various criminal offences if cultivation and possession limits are exceeded, plants are made accessible to children or cultivation standards are not adhered to. Penalties range from fines to prison sentences, depending on the severity of the offence and the amount of cannabis involved. Special regulations are also in place to protect children from unwanted exposure, showing that the protection of young people remains a key concern.
ECONOMIC IMPACT OF LEGALIZING WEED
The legal cultivation and use of cannabis could open the doors to a new, lucrative industry. While the sale of cannabis remains illegal, the focus on cultivation and processing for industrial and medicinal purposes could boost the economy. South Africa already has experience with the hemp industry, and extending this knowledge to the cannabis market could create thousands of jobs and attract investment. Furthermore, rural areas that are ideal for growing cannabis could experience an economic boom. The amendments to the Medicines and Related Substances Act and other relevant legislation show that the government plans to actively promote the industrialisation of the cannabis sector.
CULTURAL IMPACT OF LEGALIZATION OF HEMP
Culturally, legalization marks a significant change. Cannabis is deeply rooted in South African tradition and culture. Many indigenous communities have used weed for centuries, both for medicinal purposes and in spiritual rituals. Legalization could enable a renaissance of these traditional practices and at the same time increase the acceptance of cannabis in wider society.
It will be interesting to see how public perception develops. While there will always be reservations, legalisation could lead to a broader discussion and a better understanding of the positive aspects of cannabis. Events, festivals and public discussions could become part of a new, more open culture that no longer sees cannabis as taboo, but as part of everyday life.
The same applies to all other countries where legislation has been introduced, including Germany. This is because both Germany and South Africa are providing important impetus and can learn from each other in order to develop a balanced and progressive drug policy. While South Africa is taking a pioneering role in Africa with its courageous decision, Germany remains a key player in Europe. And because this is the case, the hope in Germany remains that the CanG, which is currently being revised again in preparation for the planned cannabis clubs from 1 July, will be adapted in a realistic and user-friendly way. After all, a law that ignores the masses will achieve nothing except an increased influx on the black market. And that is exactly what should be combated.
So let`s keep crossing fingers for a legalisation at its best… Everywhere. Now.
