On Tuesday 18 September 2018 the Constitutional Court in Pretoria ruled that it is legal to cultivate and consume dagga for personal use.

 

In a unanimous judgement, the highest court in the land decriminalised the private use of dagga.

 

Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo upheld the Western Cape High Court’s ruling that marijuana can be used at home and ruled that parliament must change its Drug Trafficking and Medicines Control Acts.

 

Justice Zondo also emphasised that the judgement does not specify the amount that can be used by an adult in private use, which must now be determined by parliament.

 

The Constitutional Court has in the meantime allowed ‘interim relief’ that allows people to smoke dagga at home and grow enough for personal use at home.

 

Judge Zondo warned that it is still illegal for minors and adults to smoke or possess marijuana publicly.

 

Further legislation about the selling and transportation of dagga is also still awaited from parliament.

 

Meanwhile, Coca Cola has confirmed it is interested in exploring the possibilities of using a cannabis (marijuana) compound in some of its drinks, due to the downward trend in carbonated soft drinks.

 

Company spokesman Kent Landers said that no decision has been made to enter that specific market but admitted that it was “closely watching” how the sector was evolving.

 

“Along with many others in the beverage industry, we are closely watching the growth of non-psychoactive CBD as an ingredient in functional wellness beverages around the world. The space is evolving quickly,” he said.

 

Cannabidiol, or CBD, does not produce the high normally associated with marijuana.

 

It is believed by many to have anti-inflammation and pain-relieving properties, and numerous CBD-infused products have emerged recently.

 

Coca Cola’s statement follows reports that it had been discussing a tie-up with the Canadian marijuana company Aurora Cannabis to produce a health drink.

 

Interest in the sector from one of the world’s most famous brands is another indication of growing corporate acceptance of cannabis products.

 

Sky.com ; EWN ; RNews

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Justice Zondo says that the judgment does not specify the amount that can be used by an adult in private use. This must be determined by parliament. It must be for the personal use of the person.

 

EWN

 

 

 

ConCourt agrees – it’s legal to grow and smoke dagga in your home!

 

Sep 18, 2018

 

Perhaps this was expected – the public gallery erupted in cheers as the Constitutional Court on Tuesday ruled that it is actually legal to cultivate dagga for personal use and consume it privately in the home.

 

In a unanimous judgment handed down by Deputy Chief Justice, Raymond Zondo, the ConCourt – highest court in the land, effectively decriminalised the private use of dagga.

 

The ruling follows a ruling by the Western Cape High Court that marijuana (or dagga) can be used at home.

 

In 2017, Western Cape High Court Judge, Dennis Davies, ruled that a ban on the use of dagga at home was against the constitutional right to privacy.

 

The case had been brought before the ConCourt by parties that include, the leader of Dagga Party, Jeremy Acton, after several government departments appealed the Western Cape High Court ruling and wanted dagga use at home to remain criminalised.

 

However, activists brought a legal challenge based on medical studies that showed alcohol caused more harm than dagga and that there was little data to show that criminalising dagga reduced harmful use.

 

Judge Zondo also said that the court took into consideration new trends in international law allowing the private use of dagga at home.

 

Judge Zondo said that Parliament must now change its Drug Trafficking and Medicines Control Acts over the next two years.

 

He also emphasised that the judgement doesn’t specify the amount that can be used by an adult in private use, which must now be determined by Parliament.

 

The ConCourt has in the meantime allowed ‘interim relief’ that allows people to smoke dagga at home and grow enough for personal use at home.

 

But before you go and start smoking your joints, Judge Zondo warned that it is still illegal for minors and adults to smoke or possess marijuana publicly.

 

RNews

 

 

 

Coca Cola contemplates ‘healthy’ cannabis drink

 

It follows reports of discussions with a Canadian marijuana company about a possible joint venture.

 

Coca Cola has confirmed it is interested in exploring the possibilities of using a cannabis compound in some of its drinks.

 

Company spokesman Kent Landers said no decision had been made to enter that specific market but admitted it was “closely watching” how the sector was evolving.

 

“Along with many others in the beverage industry, we are closely watching the growth of non-psychoactive CBD as an ingredient in functional wellness beverages around the world. The space is evolving quickly,” he said.

 

Cannabidiol, or CBD, does not produce the high normally associated with marijuana.

 

It is believed by many to have anti-inflammation and pain-relieving properties, and numerous CBD-infused products have emerged recently.

 

Coca Cola’s statement follows reports that it had been discussing a tie-up with the Canadian marijuana company Aurora Cannabis to produce a health drink.

 

Interest in the sector from one of the world’s most famous brands is another indication of growing corporate acceptance of cannabis products and how Canada is likely to play a central role in future developments. Sky.com