On 18 September 2018, the Constitutional Court ruled that the Drug Trafficking Act and the Medicines Control Act should be amended. This means that cannabis should be legalised for private use. The ruling remains controversial. Cannabis (also known as dagga, weed or marijuana, among other names) has been associated with harder drugs, at least until now. It is also seen as a gateway drug to very harmful addictions.

But what are researchers doing with this interesting plant? Does the research indicate some beneficial use? Is it justified to explore its potential for medical treatment? Furthermore, is personal use of the drug harmful or simply a natural sedative?