馃嚦馃嚘NamibiaSouthern Africa
Namibia High Court dismisses cannabis legalization bid, citing ongoing legislative review
via The Namibian3 min read
The Windhoek High Court has rejected an attempt to legalize the possession and use of cannabis in Namibia. Judge Claudia Claasen ruled that it is premature for the court to decide on the prohibition of dagga, as the Namibian government is currently considering new legislation on the matter. Claasen stated that policymaking regarding cannabis is primarily a function of the executive and legislative branches, involving considerations of harm, social values, addiction potential, and economic costs. She upheld a special plea from the government and other officials in response to a claim filed by Brian Jaftha, president of Ganja Users of Namibia GUN and the Rastafari United Front, and Borro Ndungula, GUN secretary general, in August 2021. Jaftha and Ndungula sought to declare the prohibition of cannabis unconstitutional, arguing it was based on outdated convictions and a defunct racist political agenda. The defendants, represented by Dennis Khama and Donagene Garises, argued that the claim was premature because the Law Reform and Development Commission LRDC is reviewing cannabis laws. Claasen emphasized that courts should generally not interfere with ongoing legislative processes, especially when the government is already reviewing and reforming the legislation in question, as judicial intervention could disrupt this process. Jaftha and Ndungula were represented by lawyer Kadhila Amoomo.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
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