On the eve of the African General Elections, which saw the ruling African National Congress lose its majority for the first time in 30 years, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act, making South Africa the first African nation to legalize the use of marijuana or cannabis.
The bill removes cannabis from the country’s list of outlawed narcotics. This means that all adults in the country are now free to grow and consume the plant, except in the presence of children. The bill also stipulates that those who broke the law by committing such deeds should have their records automatically wiped clean. However, it is unclear how this will take place or when and if any of the 3,000 people in prison for cannabis-related offences as of 2022 will be released.
Unlike other countries where cannabis has been legalized, such as Malta, Canada, and Uruguay, South Africa does not provide a lawful way for casual smokers to acquire it unless they grow it themselves. Selling cannabis remains illegal unless it is for medicinal purposes and prescribed by a doctor. It is pertinent to note that last year, Thailand rescinded the legalization of marijuana fearing misuse.