The language used when speaking about or referring to people who use drugs has a tremendous impact on how they view themselves and how they are viewed by others. Public opinion and media portrayals reinforce each other while contributing to and perpetuating stigma associated with drugs and drug use. No medical condition is more stigmatized than “addiction.” As shown above, public perception is that drug use, including problematic drug use, is a choice and that individuals cho

In the first quarter of 2021, Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister Thoko Didiza stated that she wants to pave the way for the industrialisation and commercialisation of cannabis as a way to boost the economy. Such a stance inevitably sparks talk of creating economic growth, job creation and even the reduction of unemployment. It is evident that in recent years, the cannabis industry worldwide has grown rapidly as a multi-billion dollar sector. With this muc