The Stream

South Africa to consider medical marijuana bill

Cancer-stricken member of parliament says bill will help terminally ill patients.

Member of Parliament Mario Oriani-Ambrosini, says legalising marijuana will help patients suffering from life-threatening illnesses. (Photo by BSIP/UIG via GETTY)

For the first time in its history, South Africa will consider a bill calling for the legalisation of medical marijuana. 

The bill’s sponsor, cancer-stricken Member of Parliament Mario Oriani-Ambrosini, says legalising marijuana will help patients suffering from life-threatening illnesses. The opposition politician admitted to Parliament this week that he uses the drug to manage chronic pain related to his late-stage lung cancer.