‘Dagga Couple’ promotes responsible adult use
The Dagga Couple is actively dispelling the notion that dagga is the gateway to the fridge and couch.
POLOKWANE – In the early hours of 5 August 2010, Myrtle Clarke and Julian Stobbs’ jack russell jumped off their bed with a warning bark.
At the door were the police who had come to arrest the couple and charge them with dealing in dagga.
This Johannesburg couple had three choices: accept punishment and face seven to 10 years’ jail time, bribe the cops – “Put R40 000 into our account,” they said, or fight this. They chose the latter.
Myrtle and Julian, dubbed the Dagga Couple, gave up their high-earning jobs in the film industry and sued seven South African government departments on charges of enacting unlawful laws.
They were granted a stay of prosecution in 2011. On 31 July they will appear in the Pretoria High Court to challenge the constitutionality of the prohibition of dagga.
You might want to read: Cannabis-oil: a local perspective
Speaking at the Holistic Fair at the Magoebaskloof Hotel, the couple said they had found a pro bono solid law firm where all the partners are under the age of 40.
The Dagga Couple believes that young minds are needed to fight the archaic prohibition of dagga in South Africa.
They formed Fields of Green for All, a non-profit company, registered in South Africa in 2013.
There are now 47 stays of prosecution waiting for an outcome. There are more than 90 000 dagga arrests each year in South Africa. Julian advised people arrested for dagga possession not to sign the SAPS admission of guilt form and to rather phone (011) 568 2466 for help and legal aid.
The law prohibiting dagga is the only law in South Africa where you are guilty until proven innocent.
The Dagga Couple never set out to become activists or public speakers but they now travel the country meeting people who, either for medical, agricultural or recreational use, want the prohibition of dagga lifted.
You can also read: You can use dagga at home, rules the WC High Court
The Dagga Couple is actively dispelling the notion that dagga is the gateway to the fridge and couch.
Therefore they have embraced and promote active top sportsmen and women.
The present government has been conducting aerial crop spraying in Port St John’s since 1998.
Not only does this kill the intended dagga, but the mealies and other crops as well. South Africa is one of the last countries in the world still spraying with helicopters.
The Dagga Couple was in Port St John’s as activists two years ago and there has been no aerial crop spraying since then.
The Dagga Couple promotes responsible adult use, growing industrial cannabis e.g. hemp, for traditional cultural and religious use, and lastly for the beneficial health uses.
