BY NYASHA PILOTO

Aimless, directionless, troublesome and disturbed are just some of the words that were regularly used to describe individuals that partook in smoking marijuana. As more and more countries join the list of marijuana-growing nations, the continent has begun to re-write the marijuana narrative.

For the longest time, marijuana has been associated with individuals in need of dire intervention on the African continent. Indeed, marijuana abuse is acknowledged; however, the relationship has started to take a new shape on the continent. In 2017, Lesotho became the first to legally grow marijuana slowly followed by South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Uganda, Rwanda, Ghana and recently Morocco.

This is not to say that marijuana is grown as democratically as a vegetable is, quite contrary. There are laws and licences and place to guide both the growing processes as well as usage. Marijuana is respected on the continent as a medicinal herb and is permitted for that usage.

South Africa has made strides in selling CBD (Cannabidiol), an extract from the plant that is non-psychoactive. While it’s impossible to get high on CBD oil, one can experience its healing properties. CBD oil is one of the ways that the marijuana narrative is being re-written as it is believed to have positive effects.

Those with medical conditions such as cancer and arthritis appreciate CBD oil for its possible relaxing effects. Conditions such as these expose one to chronic pain and discomfort which may be temporarily relieved by taking drops of CBD oil because of its anti-inflammatory properties. It is also believed to clear skin conditions and facilitate healthy hair growth because of the compounds contained in the oil. Conditions such as eczema, rash, hair loss and hair acne; are said to be cleared after a period of usage. Mental wellness is believed to be enhanced by CBD oil. Depression, anxiety, insomnia and mental fatigue are said to be alleviated by the oil because of the relaxing properties.

The act of rolling a joint, smoking and puffing is another dynamic that contributed to the negative association with marijuana. The many different methods of using CBD oil is another reason the narrative is shifting. Depending on the use of the oil, it can be used externally. For instance, if it is to soothe inflammation, drops of the oil can be rubbed on the paining body part.

 If the oil is intended to clear skin, it can be added to lotion or hair oil for the scalp. If the oil is to be ingested, it can be done in the form of edibles. One can add the oil into food, candy, cookies or any food and enjoy it without any interference with the flavours. The oil can also be added to beverages or can be taken with the dropper that accompanies the bottle. CBD oil can also be added into bathing water for its relaxing effect before sleeping for possible quality sleep.

The new-forming relationship between Africans and marijuana in its different forms and uses comes with cautionary advice. Suppliers are to explicitly mention that the oil is not meant to replace any medical prescriptions or guidance by a medical doctor. It is advised that individuals seeking to use CBD oil first approach their medical practitioners to discuss dynamics such as dosage, frequency and the type of CBD oil to use. Currently, there is no specified dosage, which means the requirements may differ from one individual to the next. The side effects of the oil also differ from case to case, which is why people are encouraged to carry out research and discuss with medical practitioners before use.

Paying utmost attention to the suppliers of the oil is also one of the teachable factors regarding the relationship with CBD oil. Unfortunately, some suppliers take shortcuts to the rather intricate process of refining the oil from the plant for profit gain. The more one skips methods of purification, the less expensive the product is, and that can adversely affect the consumer’s health. Suppliers are also supposed to have a quality control badge, a guarantor that the product is tested by an independent third party, thereby approving the quality. Consumers are urged to research the supplier and verify these before purchasing.