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CHRISTIAN NEWS
27th January 2002

Victory against attempt to legalise dagga
Press Release: Sober Scientific Facts Prevailed in Dagga Case in South Africa

From: Doctors For Life
Sent: 26 January 2002 10:23
Subject: Sober Scientific Facts Prevailed in Dagga Case in South Africa

Doctors For Life (DFL) is delighted to hear about the S.A. Constitutional Court's decision not to decriminalise the use of marijuana. DFL, who testified on behalf of the state in the case, sees the decision as responsible, sound and based on the latest scientific evidence about the effects of Cannabis on the individual and society as a whole. Such a decision should not be based on public opinion or political correctness but on scientific facts. It would have been awkward for Government to clamp down on cigarette smoking while decriminalising the smoking of dagga. The evidence which DFL presented to the Constitutional Court shows clearly that one joint of Cannabis is the equivalent of 4 tobacco cigarettes in terms of the amount of tar, 5 tobacco cigarettes in terms of the amount of carbon monoxide produced and 10 tobacco cigarettes in respect to the amount of damage to the airways. Cannabis smokers had a 9-1O times higher risk to develop lung cancer. Also, in many other areas of life Government has passed laws to force citizens to protect themselves e.g. laws making the wearing of safety belts compulsory.

On a social level, studies have shown that 50% of accidents in the work place are drug related. After smoking one joint of dagga the driver of a goods train in the USA went through three safety signals crashing into a passenger train killing 16 people and injuring 270. Economically it has been demonstrated that the proportion of those unable to work, of people on pension as well as the burden of prisoners on the taxpayer are much higher among drug addicts than among the general population. Theft at work and medical benefit claims are tripled by drug abuse. Studies in some countries have found that employees who tested positive to illegal drugs were 43% more absent from work than the rest.

The fact that it may be part of the religious practice or rituals of some religions would not justify the decriminalisation of Cannabis. Such a decision would set a precedent and would force Government to allow other harmful practices e.g.. the making of human sacrifices, if it was part of some religions.

DFL believes that the decision will be to the benefit of all South Africans.

More Information:
1. Dr Albu van Eeden, CEO of Doctors for Life. 031 764 0443

Doctors For Life
www.dfl.org.za
P.O.Pox 1647
Kloof, 3640, South Africa
Tel: +27 (31) 764 0443
Fax: +27 (31) 764 0440
24 hr Help: 082 407 3929

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