ladbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

South Africa Has Legalised Cannabis Use For Adults In Private Places

South Africa Has Legalised Cannabis Use For Adults In Private Places

The drug has been legalised for private use - you can also grow it in your home

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

South Africa's highest court has legalised the use of cannabis by adults in private places, according to the BBC.

Pro-marijuana activists cheered in the public gallery and chanted 'weed are free now' when the landmark ruling was handed down.

The growing of the drug has also been legalised as long as it is being produced for private use.

PA

The BBC reported that in his judgement, Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo said: "It will not be a criminal offence for an adult person to use or be in possession of cannabis in private for his or her personal consumption."

It will still be a criminal offence to use cannabis in public and to sell or supply it.

PA

According to The South Afcrican, the government now has 24 months to officially write the bill into law. But, private use does have the go-ahead as of Tuesday September 18.

Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo explained that it's now up to the ruling African National Congress to decide what quantities are allowed per person.

He said: "The judgement doesn't specify the amount that can be used by an adult in private use - this must be determined by parliament. It must be for the personal use of the person."

PA

The news comes following claims that Coca-Cola is in 'serious talks' with a cannabis production company to make a cannabis-infused drink.

According to the Metro, the Atlanta-based company, which owns over 500 brands including Sprite, Fanta and Costa Coffee, is in advanced discussions with Canadian company Aurora Cannabis.

So, with fizzy drinks are becoming increasingly unpopular (no thanks to our pal, Jamie Oliver), Bloomberg reports that the the international franchise is looking to delve into the cannabis sector.

It's believed Coca-Cola is interested in developing refreshments that are infused with cannabidiol, commonly referred to as CBD, the non-psychoactive chemical found in marijuana plants.

Some companies have teamed up with cannabis producers to make drinks that will give drinkers a 'buzz' but Coca-Cola and Aurora would allegedly be developing something to ease inflammation, pain and cramping.

PA

A source who has direct knowledge of these 'talks' told Bloomberg: "They're pretty advanced down the path. It's going to be more of the 'recovery drink' category."

Kent Landers, a spokesman from Coca-Cola, declined to comment about Aurora.

However, he added in an emailed statement to BNN Bloomberg: "Along with many others in the beverage industry, we are closely watching the growth of non-psychoactive CBD as an ingredient in functional wellness beverages around the world. The space is evolving quickly. No decisions have been made at this time."

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: south africa, News, Cannabis