For more information about South African cannabis policies please have a look at the proposals put forward by The Dagga Party of South Africa, Fields of Green For All, SAHPRA and the CDCSA.

“Our researchers are currently investigating and developing an integrative phytochemical treatment in targeting the control of COVID-19 induced pro-inflammatory responses. We are focused on inhibiting Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNFα) and the Interleukin 6 (IL6) pathways, whilst investigating the immuno modulation and antiviral properties of the cannabis Sativa derived phyto-constituents. ” Investigation of selected cannabinoids and cannabimimetic compounds against COVID-19 and PIMS

Cannabis History

Humans have cultivated and consumed the flowering tops of the female cannabis plant, colloquially known as marijuana, since virtually the beginning of recorded history. Cannabis-based textiles dating to 7,000 B.C.E have been recovered in northern China, and the plant’s use as a medicinal and mood altering agent date back nearly as far. In 2008, archeologists in Central Asia discovered over two pounds of cannabis in the 2,700-year-old grave of an ancient shaman. After scientists conducted extensive testing on the material’s potency, they affirmed, “[T]he most probable conclusion … is that [ancient] culture[s] cultivated cannabis for pharmaceutical, psychoactive, and divinatory purposes.”

Below is a short documentary done by the Dagga  Couple and Fields of Green for All about the historical of dagga or cannabis.

WORLD CANNABIS HISTORY

Modern cultures continue to indulge in the consumption of cannabis for these same purposes, despite a decades-long, virtual worldwide ban on the plant’s cultivation and use. In the United States, federal prohibitions outlawing cannabis’ recreational, industrial, and therapeutic use were first imposed by Congress under the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 and then later reaffirmed by federal lawmakers’ decision to classify the cannabis plant — as well as all of its organic chemical compounds (known as cannabinoids) — as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. This classification, which categorizes the plant alongside heroin, defines cannabis and its dozens of distinct cannabinoids as possessing ‘a high potential for abuse, … no currently accepted medical use, … [and] a lack of accepted safety for the use of the drug … under medical supervision.’ By contrast, cocaine and methamphetamine — which remain illicit for recreational use but may be consumed under a doctor’s supervision — are classified as Schedule II drugs. Both alcohol and tobacco are unscheduled.

Cannabidiol ( CBD )