Cannabis ‘primary cause of addiction in SA’
South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP) has reacted with disappointment to the decriminalisation of the private use cannabis by the Constitutional Court.
Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo handed down the ruling on Tuesday.
SASOP's Dr Abdul Kader Domingo says the ruling increases the possibility of more people getting addicted to the plant.
"If we look into data in South Africa, we can see in most provinces those are admitted to rehab facilities, are admitted primarily to addiction to cannabis," says Domingo.
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Domingo says there are many worrying consequences that cannabis users suffer from beside addiction.
He states the use of cannabis increase the user's risk of being involved in a vehicle accident by 2.6 per cent.
Domingo adds research shows that adolescent using cannabis over a long period and in high doses will experience a drop in IQ.
"We are very concerned about that, that is going to affect someone's potential for the rest of their lives."
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