adminThe Rhodesian Herald, 5 November 1968
ALTHOUGH the drug marijuana — more commonly known as dagga, hashish or pot — is not habit-forming and does not produce the withdrawal symptoms of alcohol or LSD, this does not mean it is entirely harmless, Professor Michael Gelfand warns in an article on drugs and youth in this month’s issue of the Central African journal of Medicine.
Prof Gelfand who pointed out that the drug is being used increasingly by youth of all races in Rhodesia and also by students at the University College, said that while experiments had so far proved that “hashish” was harmless, and there was a claim for it to be legalised in America and Britain, he personally preferred to reserve judgment.
“I know that any drug that can stimulate perception, taken over a long period of time, cannot be without harmful effects.”
This drug, he said, was often taken by artists, musicians and sometimes writers — “wherever the emotional element is involved” — who seemed to be stimulated to extra effort and greater output.
However, it seems doubtful, he said, whether it will help those people pursuing scientific or medical studies.
Driving, he said, was risky under the influence of hashish because it produces a feeling of euphoria or exaltation and judgment of time, hearing, distance and vision were lengthened.
This drug did not seem to produce any genetic effects as did LSD, and did also not appear to cause any concrete visceral damage.
Drugs such as hashish were being taken by many young people because of their genuine “despair and bitterness with the failure of democracy”.
A more effective answer to their problems, the professor said, would be a greater appreciation of human relationships and religious values.
It would also be helpful, he said, if a body was established which would enable young people to call on “the elderly” for advice.
Parents, he added, should also play a more domineering role in their children’s development.
LESSONS FOR TODAY
Drug and substance abuse have become so rampant among the youths in Zimbabwe. Peer pressure leads to many youths to get hooked to drugs.
With the opening up of Zimbabwe to the outside world, an array of illicit drugs smuggled into the country continues to grow. Apart from dagga and LSD, there is also cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, crystal methamphetamine, hallucinogens and many more.
Efforts to legalise the sale of marijuana for recreational and health purposes, has been met with mixed reactions, with those opposing it arguing that it is an open cheque for drug abusers to take the illegal substance, legally.
Little is being done to combat the drug abuse menace that has destroyed the future and livelihoods of many young people.
There is need for Government, working with various arms of the community, to come up with holistic measures to curb the drug menace. This includes employment creation.
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter