NCOP passes Cannabis for Private Purposes Bill

John Maytham speaks to Paul Michael Keichel, attorney with Cullinan & Associates.

Listen to the interview in the audio below.

The Cannabis for Private Purposes Bill is one step closer to being signed into law.

After being passed by the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), the legislation is waiting on the president’s desk to be signed.

Once this Bill is signed into law, South Africans will be able to cultivate and possess cannabis for personal use.

In addition to this, the criminal records of those who were previously convicted for cannabis possession would be expunged.

The Bill strictly prohibits children from possessing, dealing, or consuming cannabis, and imposes penalties for smoking in public spaces or selling cannabis.

Keichel says that there is still some criticism against the Bill, but it is still good enough to be signed by the president.

“Given what it is intended to achieve, it is good enough… I think the devil is in the details.”

- Paul Michael Keichel, attorney with Cullinan & Associates