... wants emaSwati to benefit

MBABANE – With the prevalence of HIV still high in the kingdom, Sol Dlamini is confident emaSwati will benefit. Dlamini said he was hopeful that when the kingdom eventually legalises the use of cannabis for medicinal use, locals would also use the HIV treatment capsule. He said due to the current legal status of cannabis, he would not supply the capsule locally. However, he said since it was available in SA, emaSwati travelling to the neighbouring country would get it there.

Dlamini revealed that the supply of the drug would begin in 2024. He said though he would be growing dagga, it will be strictly for producing the capsule. “Once the quota for the season is reached, the remaining dagga has to be destroyed,” said Dlamini.

Also, Dlamini said land was already available in SA for the cultivation of the cannabis, which will be used for the dagga cultivation. Meanwhile, Saladin Magagula, the Chairperson of the Eswatini Cannabis Association could not be reached for comment.

Previously, Magagula emphasised the importance of getting

CANNABIS MEDICINAL USES

Cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Here are some of the medicinal uses of cannabis:

Pain relief

Reducing inflammation

Reducing anxiety and depression Reducing nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy

Improving appetite in people with HIV/ AIDS or cancer

Reducing muscle spasms and stiffness in people with multiple sclerosis Reducing seizures in people with epilepsy

Improving sleep quality

Reducing blood pressure

Reducing symptoms of Crohn’s disease It is important to note that the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes is still controversial and is not legal in all countries. It is also important to consult a doctor before using cannabis for medicinal purposes. the Cannabis Bill enacted. He had said legalising dagga would give rise to the development of new products. Magagula said legalisation would mean more job opportunities and revenue for the country. He said the country was losing out on benefits due to the delay in enactment of the Bill.