Tuesday, May 3, 2005

How 'Cannabricks' Can Ease Housing Problem

Cape Town, South Africa -- A Cape Town-based housing innovator who propagates using hemp to curb South Africa's growing housing problem has not ruled out Constitutional Court litigation to compel the government to revise its dagga legislation.

"There is a strong possibility we will initiate litigation, hopefully within this year," said Andre du Plessis. Du Plessis said Cape Town will on Saturday join about 180 cities across 37 nations to highlight the many uses of cannabis. 

Du Plessis said South Africa faces a massive housing backlog, with cost being the biggest prohibitive factor.


"The solution must be safe, fireproof, bio-friendly and it should trigger sustainable development and wealth creation from grassroots up. Cannabis is a proven industrial ingredient, and when used to make bricks it provides the best value for money, while meeting all requirements," said Du Plessis in a statement.

He said cannabis has a traditional history in Africa going back almost 5 000 years.

Du Plessis said Saturday's march will be for an end to the prohibition of industrial cannabis use in housing and agriculture.

He said it is important to acknowledge and legitimise the cannabis farming already happening in the country's rural, impoverished areas.

"We will ask our minister of housing to give this legitimate solution a chance."

Du Plessis said dagga, a common name for cannabis, was banned in South Africa in 1909.

South Africa is one of the world's largest producers of dagga, with approximately 120 000ha a year cultivated, using local strains.

At Saturday's march, a memorandum will be delivered to a representative from the Department of Housing, highlighting the use of cannabis in housing and agriculture, and everyone's right to secure ecologically sustainable development.

A five-minute demonstration of "how to build a cannabrick" will follow. -- Sapa

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