A Constitutional Court in South Africa has decriminalized the use and cultivation of cannabis in private in a ruling received with mixed reactions.
South Africa’s highest court ruled that adults in South Africa, growing and using cannabis in private should be ‘left in peace.’ Private possession, consumption, and growth of the plant have now been confirmed unconstitutional.
The ConCourt has also given the country’s parliament 24 months to adapt to the new laws and reflect the said changes with individuals now allowed to smoke ‘ganja’ ‘in private.’
The court, however, specified that the sale and use of bhang to minors is still illegal saying that those found stands being prosecuted. A court in Western Cape had banned the use and smoking of weed but the judge said the ban ‘violated the individuals’ constitutional right to privacy.’
The judgment comes amid calls to legalize the use of marijuana in Kenya.
What are your views on this?