Policy makers need to protect and promote the interests of people whose indigenous knowledge and toil developed a thriving national cannabis economy - in the face of harsh police crackdowns.
Celebrations after court rules that the personal use of dagga is not a criminal offence.
Kim Ludbrook/EPA
The legalisation of the private use of cannabis in South Africa is a victory for human rights. But, much more work needs to be done to make it practical.
Thousands of South Africans are calling for the legalisation of marijuana.
EPA/Nic Bothma
If South Africa’s argument in court is that marijuana causes harm, it deserves to lose. The real question it should ask is whether criminal prohibition is the effective way forward.