It’s time to legalise dagga for pain relief

I AM a former patient who used cannabis oil for relief of pain and insomnia during my radiation treatment. I do not dismiss alternative or homeopathic treatments.

Ideally, I would like to see all medical facilities well stocked with medicine and equipment to treat all sufferers in conventional scientific ways, allowing patients the option for alternatives. Prevention is the best cure. All of us should adopt healthy lifestyles that include balanced diets and active and balanced lifestyles. This is not always possible, practical or affordable.

Cancer occurrence is inevitably going to rise. I am buying cannabis oil for two sufferers, both of them in stage four. I supply them, not with the intention that it would cure them, but that it would provide comfort, particularly for the pain.

It is very difficult and expensive to get the oil. The supply is not steady and many suffer if they do not get their monthly supply in time. The sale and possession is illegal and I am always apprehensive when I go to buy it.

I welcome the legalisation of cannabis oil for medicinal use and encourage the government to start regulating the production and sale.

First, it would take the sale out of an underground environment. Second, proper research should be done about its value in the fight against cancer. Third, a steady supply would mean less demand and a reduction in price. Currently 200 grams ranges from R250, if bought from coloured and black dealers, to R1 000 for the same amount from white dealers.

By legalising and regulation, and destigmatising the use of it, we can prevent it from being replaced as another form of dagga abuse. AA KAFAAR Sybrand Park