The roundtable debated the use of cannabis legally for health purposes. 

Opening the debate, the Deputy Minister of Social Development, Mrs Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, said the conversatin was long overdue.

“We have called this roundtable to open up a debate on cannabis in line with the Constitution of the country which calls for open dialogue and citizenry participation in decision making.  This is the beginning of a lengthy dialogue through which we hope to take all South Africans along when the country’s final position on the use of cannabis is determined,” said Bogopane-Zulu.

The roundtable, debated by different people such as Substance abuse specialist, Doctor Ray Eberlein, Professor Rataemane from Department of Psychiatry (Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University) and Doctor Lochan Naidoo (International Narcotics Control Board) drew different views.

Naidoo presented a global perspective on cannabis impact and policies, arguing strongly for policies that would address addiction through new research and...