Looking to legalise dagga in downtown Jozi
JOHANNESBURG – Maboneng, a property development in downtown Johannesburg, wants to be used as a test case for the decriminalisation of dagga in South Africa.
Modeling itself as a “green zone”, the precinct is hoping to be transformed into a dagga smokers’ paradise within a number of years.
Dagga has never got a lot of good press, depicted as nothing more than a gateway drug and pastime for the feeble minded.
However the precinct is following in the footsteps of long standing decriminalisation in the Netherlands and newly adopted legality in Uruguay, and is looking at becoming a pilot project for the decriminalisation of marijuana in South Africa.
Hayleigh Evan, Maboneng brand manager said, “What we are doing right now is not necessarily just creating spaces for people to smoke a joint whenever they want. It is more about creating a controlled environment where we can test the parameters of use.”
Over the next couple of years Maboneng wants to be used as a case study for the free and open possession, sale and smoking of Marijuana.
Fred Clarke, an artist said, “It’s already an alcohol zone, tobacco zone, sugar zone and meat zone. All of those legal industries create more harm than all the marijuana in the world. I don’t think it would make any difference quite honestly, I don’t think any more people would smoke or any less people would smoke – it’s a lifestyle choice.”
Having already hosted awareness events earlier this year, the seed has been planted. But they still needs to convince lawmakers it’ll be a smart move and fight the negative perceptions.
It will be a long time until Maboneng enjoys the liberal approach to Marijuana of places such as Uruguary and the Netherlands. But the precinct feels the long-term benefits of decriminalisation will be worth the wait.
Looking to legalise dagga in downtown Jozi | eNCA
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JOHANNESBURG – Maboneng, a property development in downtown Johannesburg, wants to be used as a test case for the decriminalisation of dagga in South Africa. …read more
