The SA parliament has presented a bill to legalize cannabis for medical, economic and industrial purposes. IFP MP Mario Oriani-Ambrosini made an emotional speech, urging the bill to be passed. Oriani-Ambrosini admitted that he uses marijuana for medical reasons. According to the MP, he wouldn’t be able to stand in front of parliament without it.

A year ago MP Oriani-Ambrosini was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and medical cannabis allows him to function. He went on to say it is a crime against humanity not to legalize it.

 I was supposed to die many months ago. I am here because I had the courage of seeking alternatives… in Italy in the form of bicarbonate of soda and here in South Africa in the form of cannabis, marijuana, dagga,” he said.

Cannabis as an effective treatment for medical ailments, such as cancer, has been well documented in the scientific community for a long time. It has taken international governments a bit longer to catch up. France is the latest European country to join the list of 17 other nations that have allowed the use of medical cannabis. 20 US states have legalized the use of medical cannabis as well.

Judging by parliament’s response to Oriani-Ambrosini’s plea, South Africa might soon be joining the rest of the world in legalizing dagga. 

[ Source : IOL , BelowTheLion , YouTube ]