Namibia: SWANU proposes to decriminalize cannabis

The president of the South West Africa National Union (SWANU), Tangeni Iiyambo, openly advocated the legalization of cannabis, not only for medical use, but also for recreational purposes, during an address to the Namibian parliament.

Tangnei Iiyambo declared that the laws governing the use of cannabis are obsolete, since they date back to the apartheid era. His legalization could boost Namibia's economy, with the prospect of a multi-million dollar industry, which it risks missing out on if it stays on its current course.

«Alcohol is more toxic and legal. Namibia is a very conservative and backward country, and it needs to catch up with other African countries. Ganja is harmless and has been used by our ancestors for a variety of purposes. It can be used for relaxation, for example, and to relieve stress at work, as opposed to the presumed causes of crime. Ganja users are relaxed people and the police should concentrate on serious and widespread crimes, such as rape and murder, rather than arresting people for possession of ganja,» said Iiyambo.

Iiyambo recalled that United Nations called on member states to reduce the severity of cannabis, and calls for the decriminalization of marijuana possession and use are reaching fever pitch.

«Is our government woefully out of touch with reality and globally obvious trends? Wouldn't cannabis and hemp products provide a livelihood if they were allowed to be grown, processed and marketed? The government discriminates against Rastafarians in their cultivation, dagga being one of them. Isn't the law in question a violation of fundamental constitutional rights, including the right to privacy?» questioned Iiyambo.

Last April, some 200 ganja users demonstrated in Namibia to demand the legalization of cannabis. In July, the Minister of Justice explained that the country was not ready to regulate cannabis.