Marijuana, also known as cannabis, weed, grass, or in our uniquely South African vocabulary, dagga, is one of those highly contested substances that sees many people divided regarding whether it is positive, negative, hazardous, beneficial, or just a component of life that some individuals want to enjoy and others decide not to enjoy. However, we will analyze some of the legal limitations and think about responsible consumption in terms of how it relates to academic and professional life. In this section, we will not include any ethical or medical theories.
Cannabis Consumption Dates Back Thousands of Years at the Very Least
Because of its well-established history of pharmacological efficacy, it was recommended for the medical management of a wide variety of conditions. In southern Africa, the herb was traditionally utilized to facilitate and improve labor and delivery before the advent of western medicine. It was thought to be spiritually anointed within the Hindu religion, which was practiced in India. In many different regions of the world, drinking alcohol is still widely practiced not only as a form of leisure activity, during which individuals partake in a variety of activities but also as part of medical approaches and religious or spiritual rituals.
Marijuana was recently removed from the list of illegal substances in South Africa for a variety of reasons, one of which was a decision by the Western Cape High Court that its prohibition for the individual use of adults who have reached the age of consent was in violation of the country’s constitution. It is essential, however, to be aware of and comprehend the distinction between “decriminalized” and “legalized” drug use. Marijuana is subject to stringent regulations, and individuals over the age of 18 are the only people who are legally allowed to consume it in private settings.
The Current Regulations In South Africa
Even though the private consumption of cannabis for recreational purposes is permitted, there are many aspects of the plant’s cultivation, processing, storage, possession, transportation, and sale that are still illegal. It is only permissible to possess a quantity that is comparable to what can be individually consumed, which the law specifies as a maximum of 600 grams for an individual while they are in their personal space or 100 grams while they are in a public place as long as they keep it hidden from view.
Adults only are permitted to consume recreational cannabis in private settings, and they must be of legal age. To this day, it is still against the law to consume cannabis in public places. It is a serious crime to provide a minor, which is defined as a child who is younger than 18 years old, with any kind of cannabis that is used for recreational purposes.
In a nutshell, any behavior that deviates from the lawfully defined parameters of the recreational use, ownership, or farming of marijuana by an adult in their own home constitutes a criminal offense. It is very critical to conduct research and be educated about the constraints of the law that pertain to the acquirement and intake of recreational marijuana products. If you do not take the necessary precautions, you could find yourself on the incorrect side of the law without even realizing it.
It is possible for marijuana to act as a stimulant, a depressant, or a hallucinogen, depending on how it is processed and developed, as well as the response of the individual consumer. One of the most fascinating aspects of cannabis is the wide range of physical and mental effects it has on its users, which makes it appealing to a wide variety of people. Regardless of the specific effect, it has on you, it has the potential to influence your mental state.
Some people who smoke cannabis report feeling more alert, refreshed, and aware after using it, while other users report feeling relaxed, sleepy, or calm after using it. If you partake in the use of cannabis, you should be aware of how it affects you and whether or not any activities you partake in will be significantly altered as a result of your use of it. Responsibility and self-accountability are of the utmost significance when it comes to the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Some advocates for marijuana point out that it has a relatively low level of addictive potential, especially when compared to other substances that are now regulated and legalized. It has been demonstrated that prolonged and frequent use can lead to a possible future addiction, just like with alcohol and cigarettes.
Regulations In the Education Institutions
Regulations have been put into place at universities, colleges, and other institutions of higher education regarding the usage and intake of substances by their pupils and on campus-owned property. It is in your best interest to have prior knowledge of the stance that your organization takes regarding the use of substances as articulated in its policies. The following is a selection of examples taken from various university handbooks:
It is possible that a request for a postponed examination could be denied on the grounds that the applicant’s use of any kind of drug, other than as prescribed by a qualified medical professional, caused the applicant’s illness or inability to take the examination in question;
On university premises, a student is prohibited from engaging in the illegal activities of selling, distribution, use, or possession of any controlled substance, as defined by the Drug and Drug Trafficking Act 140 of 1992;
On the campuses, it is prohibited for a student to operate a car under the effect of alcohol or drugs to such a degree that they are unable to properly control the vehicle they are operating;
Because of the student’s apparent influence by alcohol, drugs, or narcotics, the student runs the risk of being disqualified from participation in the medical and insurance plan;
The following are the guidelines that the security service follows when dealing with individuals who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol on university property: (after a series of preliminary interventions), the individual will be removed to a safe location where a decision can be made concerning their immediate future.
As can be seen from the illustrations provided above, campuses and other types of institutions typically have stringent policies regarding disruptive behaviors, incapacity to carry out tasks, and insurance liability that can result from the consumption of substances. They could even have an impact on the individual’s future at the institution, leading to consequences such as suspension or expulsion from the school.
The most important thing to take away from this is that despite the fact that one is having fun, one should always make it a priority to consider the institutional rules that may have an impact on their academic record and good standing for graduation from their program. This is the key takeaway. If you do use marijuana, you should be aware of your limits and find a way to moderate your consumption of the drug so that it does not violate the law or the policies of the educational institution where you are enrolled.
Workplace Policies Regarding The Use Of Cannabis
Companies and certain categories of work often have policies in place that dictate how employees are expected to behave regarding the use of various substances. Some people have what’s called a “zero tolerance” policy when it comes to drug use, including substances that are legal like cannabis. Random drug testing may be required of staff members (as long as the company implements these in accordance with labor laws). Jobs in the education, medical, and mining industries may have policies regarding the legal consumption of alcohol and cannabis that are much more stringent.
Policies of this kind are frequently implemented in workplaces in which employees are required to operate, inspect, or work with heavy equipment. Because of the potentially hazardous nature of the job and the high risks that consumption of alcohol or residual intoxication pose, for instance, “zero tolerance” policies have been implemented in the mining industry for machine operators, engineers, and health and safety officers.
Because of the potentially hazardous nature of the job and the high risks that consumption of alcohol or residual intoxication pose, for instance, “zero tolerance” policies have been implemented in the mining industry for machine operators, engineers, and health and safety officers. You would be susceptible to random drug tests if you were working at a mining site in an internship capacity or as part of a work-study learning program.
Disciplinary action can be taken against you if there is evidence of cannabis use in your system, even if you last used marijuana days ago. It is important to note that tests that look for cannabinoids in the body look for a chemical called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which can stay in the body for a long time after cannabis use. THC will be gone from the system of first-time cannabis users within a few days, but regular users will notice that their levels of the compound slowly increase and are detectable for substantially longer periods after actual consumption.
Know The Rules and Regulations Surrounding Cannabis Products
If you choose to use cannabis products, it is important to be aware of the risks involved, as is the case with any substance that has the potential to alter mood and be addictive. You should be aware of the laws that govern and regulate its use to avoid the possibility of being arrested, prosecuted, and receiving a criminal record, all of which will have long-term repercussions.
Make sure to be full of the policies that your educational institution has regarding the use of cannabis so that you do not put your chances of graduating in jeopardy. As soon as you are employed by a company, it is important that you are made aware of the policies and restrictions regarding the use of substances, as well as the related disciplinary actions. You can enjoy marijuana without putting your health, mental state, educational track, or professional opportunities at risk by sensibly using the herb and by educating yourself about the impacts and consequences of marijuana use.
