Booze, not cannabis, fuels crime – advocacy group
Pro-cannabis advocacy group Ganja Users of Namibia (GUN) has called for an evidence-based public dialogue on cannabis, following anti-drug protests held in Okahandja in early July.
The group accused organisers of spreading “fear-based misinformation” and ignoring global research on the plant’s medical and economic potential.
In a statement released last week, GUN criticised protesters, led by community leader Johannes Gaseb, for opposing bail for four men accused in connection with a N$52 million cannabis plantation near Hochfeld.
GUN warned that branding suspects as guilty before trial undermines the constitution and the rule of law.
“Every Namibian has the right to apply for bail and to be presumed innocent until proven guilty,” GUN president Brian Jaftha said.
“I urge the Okahandja community to respect the judicial process and allow them to carry out their duties without undue pressure or interference.”
Ganja safer than alcohol, cigarettes
Citing international research, GUN argued that cannabis is significantly less harmful than legal substances such as alcohol and tobacco.
The organisation noted that alcohol and tobacco are linked to the majority of violent crime and health-related deaths in Namibia.
“Cannabis is 114 times less deadly than alcohol, while tobacco smokers face a four to five times higher risk of coronary heart disease and a 12 to 23 times higher risk of lung cancer,” Jaftha said.
According to police data cited by GUN, cannabis-related incidents accounted for less than 5% of incarcerations in 2023–2024, compared to an estimated 60% linked to alcohol-related offences.
The group also accused law enforcement of double standards and brutality, referencing the 2024 death of Ellest 'Speedy' Plaatjie, who allegedly died after being assaulted by police during a minor cannabis-related arrest.
Call for dialogue rejected
Despite ongoing tensions, GUN has extended an invitation to Gaseb, Pastor Caroline Engelbrecht, and other protest organisers to participate in a public dialogue, with the date yet to be confirmed.
“We understand the concern of parents and community members but believe that clinging to fear-based narratives harms rather than protects society,” said Jaftha.
When contacted for comment, Gaseb told Namibian Sun that there is no need for public dialogue on the matter.
“First of all, cannabis is illegal in this country. What good will it do to sit down and talk about something that’s not legal and has caused so much harm in our communities?” Gaseb stated.
He added that there should be no special treatment in the case of the cannabis plantation. “I don’t have time to sit and talk with them. Let them work on legalising cannabis first, only then can we maybe have a conversation,” Gaseb said.
The group accused organisers of spreading “fear-based misinformation” and ignoring global research on the plant’s medical and economic potential.
In a statement released last week, GUN criticised protesters, led by community leader Johannes Gaseb, for opposing bail for four men accused in connection with a N$52 million cannabis plantation near Hochfeld.
GUN warned that branding suspects as guilty before trial undermines the constitution and the rule of law.
“Every Namibian has the right to apply for bail and to be presumed innocent until proven guilty,” GUN president Brian Jaftha said.
“I urge the Okahandja community to respect the judicial process and allow them to carry out their duties without undue pressure or interference.”
Ganja safer than alcohol, cigarettes
Citing international research, GUN argued that cannabis is significantly less harmful than legal substances such as alcohol and tobacco.
The organisation noted that alcohol and tobacco are linked to the majority of violent crime and health-related deaths in Namibia.
“Cannabis is 114 times less deadly than alcohol, while tobacco smokers face a four to five times higher risk of coronary heart disease and a 12 to 23 times higher risk of lung cancer,” Jaftha said.
According to police data cited by GUN, cannabis-related incidents accounted for less than 5% of incarcerations in 2023–2024, compared to an estimated 60% linked to alcohol-related offences.
The group also accused law enforcement of double standards and brutality, referencing the 2024 death of Ellest 'Speedy' Plaatjie, who allegedly died after being assaulted by police during a minor cannabis-related arrest.
Call for dialogue rejected
Despite ongoing tensions, GUN has extended an invitation to Gaseb, Pastor Caroline Engelbrecht, and other protest organisers to participate in a public dialogue, with the date yet to be confirmed.
“We understand the concern of parents and community members but believe that clinging to fear-based narratives harms rather than protects society,” said Jaftha.
When contacted for comment, Gaseb told Namibian Sun that there is no need for public dialogue on the matter.
“First of all, cannabis is illegal in this country. What good will it do to sit down and talk about something that’s not legal and has caused so much harm in our communities?” Gaseb stated.
He added that there should be no special treatment in the case of the cannabis plantation. “I don’t have time to sit and talk with them. Let them work on legalising cannabis first, only then can we maybe have a conversation,” Gaseb said.
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