A 1971 law, and the parallel growth of an illegal economy, shaped South Africa’s unique cannabis landscape.
- Professor of History, University of Johannesburg
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.
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In trying to suppress the cannabis market in 1923, the government accidentally helped to form an impressive illegal cannabis economy.
Opium played a fascinating role in southern African colonial politics, conflict and social change - from the poppy fields of Mozambique to the early days of Johannesburg city.
From colonial poppy fields to pharmatrash, southern Africa offers a fascinating history of drug regimes – one that helps us make sense of drug policies and legislation today.
Court ruling may well undo decades of often racist cannabis law enforcement.
