The Fight to Legalise Cannabis in Namibia

• Rinelda MoutonLast week, some Namibians took to the streets to call on the Namibian government to legalise cannabis use in the country.

Cannabis is classed as a psychoactive drug derived from the cannabis plant. It has both recreational and medical uses and is either smoked, put in food or used in oil form.

Globally, debates rage about whether or not cannabis should be legalised. Many argue that it is no less detrimental than alcohol and that it has many untapped medical benefits.

On Good Friday, the Ganja Users of Namibia (Gun), the Rastafarian United Front (RUF) and other supporters marched from Independence Avenue on the B1 road to Ausspannplatz in Windhoek to call for the repeal of the Abuse of Dependence-Producing Substances and Rehabilitation Centres Act of 1971, which they said is outdated.

The march in the capital city followed a similar demonstration at Swakopmund the day before.

During the protests, a petition themed ‘Repeal Obsolete Apartheid Law’ read by Gun’s general, Borro Ndungula, implored parliament to either repeal or amend the law which currently restricts cannabis users in Namibia from freely using or possessing it. Additionally, the petition asked that penalties for cannabis offenders be dropped, and that the police should stop arresting those found in possession of the substance.

“Since December 2018, the Namibian government, through the parliament, has removed some of the obsolete apartheid laws from the Namibian legal system after 28 years of independence. Encouraged by that action, we the undersigned Namibian citizens led by Gun and RUF would like to implore the National Assembly as the branch of government that makes new laws and changes old laws,” the petition stated.

Along with the protests, a concert was held in support of the cause, and featured well-known artists Ras Sheehama, Shikololo, Tulonga Wahengo, Shem Yetu, Odette The Poet, Slosh, Ras Lando, Fari Dread, Color, Bobi Gerry Dread and Mystical Rebel.

The aims of the concert organisers were to end the arrest and imprisonment of those found in possession of cannabis and to encourage users to not to abuse it.

They also want to promote ‘Day 420’ (four-twenty), which refers to cannabis-oriented celebrations that take place annually on 20 April (which is 4/20 in US form) around the world.

One of the artists who performed at the concert, Bobi Gerry Dread, says they will not stop protesting until they are listened to.

“We have the right to freedom of speech. I have heard many people saying that cannabis is a danger, but I don’t agree. I would personally advise it.”

He pointed out that there are many untapped ways the legalisation of cannabis can benefit the country financially.

“For instance, in North America, the cannabis industry is making at least US$10 billion each year, and the market is expected to grow. The future of cannabis looks very bright. Why must we be left out and stay poor?”

South Africa’s constitutional court legalised the private use of cannabis last year. The decision allows adults to consume cannabis at home and grow it for private consumption.

Paulina Manga, who took part in the march, believes cannabis use should be decriminalised and adults should be allowed to be in possession of cannabis for their personal consumption, just like in South Africa.

“These people have not hurt anyone, so why must they be arrested?”

Cannabis causes users feel ‘high’ or ‘stoned’ and experience a general change in perception, heightened mood and an increase in appetite.

Some of the short-term side effects may include a decrease in short-term memory, dry mouth, red eyes and feelings of paranoia or anxiety. Long-term side effects may include addiction, decreased mental ability in those who started as teenagers, and behavioural problems in children whose mothers used cannabis during pregnancy.

On the other hand, cannabis has myriad medicinal benefits and can be used in the treatment and pain management associated with cancer, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, cerebral palsy, headaches, depression, multiple sclerosis, anorexia, glaucoma, HIV-Aids, Parkinson’s and schizophrenia, to mention just a few.

While it’s not a miracle herb, the plant is an important natural medicine which has a remarkable effect on a wide range of health conditions.

Swakopmunder Cheryl Green was arrested earlier this year for the possession of 71 cannabis plants and some medicinal oil she made to help treat her husband, who suffers severe pain from multiple sclerosis.

During an earlier interview with The Namibian, Green said she cultivated the plants at her home because they could no longer afford the expensive drugs to alleviate her husband’s pain and discomfort.

“The cannabis oil not only frees him from pain, but slows down the progression of the multiple sclerosis, which also contributes to prolonging his life. I am a healer, not a dealer, and if allowed to grow the plants to make the medicinal oil, I would give it away for free to people suffering like my partner,” Green said.