refers to Cannabidiol, a constituent of cannabis widely used for medicinal cannabis ( Fishera, Moorec, & Fogartyd, 2020 )
Published in Chapter:
Addressing the Cannabis Stigmas: South African Perspective
Nkhensani Angelic Maluleke (University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa)
Copyright: © 2023
|Pages: 18
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-6684-6346-8.ch010
Abstract
There is a confusion leading to the stigmatization of cannabis topics. Cannabis is referred to as ‘marijuana', weed, and dagga, among other names depending on the adjoining audience. Consumption of cannabis leads to social devaluation of the user within communities. The cannabis industry is known for being illegal, scheduled as an illicit drug, and associated with brain damage leading to criminal activities. There is zero to less information available for the public regarding the topic. Cannabis use is associated with negativity arising from the consequences of substance abuse. The researcher followed the commonly practiced stigmas toward cannabis. The stigmas accumulate from the familiarity of the topic following the media, word of mouth, and local experience. all of which affect the uneasiness and discrimination of users. RSA policies were used as a guide in addressing the cannabis stigmas. The names: cannabis, marijuana, dagga, etc. were clarified. The chapter aims to address the stigma by giving insights into the legislation, medical cannabis, and clarifying the commonly identified stigmas.