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Cannabis, also known as marijuana, weed, grass or in our distinctly South African lexicon dagga, is one of those controversial substances that see many people divided about whether it is good, bad, harmful, helpful or just a part of life that some people choose to enjoy and others not. We won’t cover any moral or medical arguments here but will discuss some of the legal restrictions and consider responsible consumption as it relates to academic and work life.

The use of cannabis stretches back millennia. With its long acknowledged medicinal qualities, it was prescribed in the treatment of a range of ailments. Prior to the introduction of western medicine, the herb was used in southern Africa to ease and aid childbirth. In India, within the Hindu faith, it was believed to be divinely ordained. In addition to being a recreational pastime that people imbibe in an assortment of ways, it continues to be used for therapeutic interventions and religious or spiritual rituals in various parts of the world.

In South Africa, cannabis was recently decriminalized for a host of reasons, including the Western Cape High Court ruling that its criminalization, for personal use by consenting adults, was in fact unconstitutional. One must be mindful though to understand the difference between decriminalized and legalized. The use of cannabis is highly regulated, and only allowed to be consumed in private, by adults over the age of 18 years. While the recreational use of cannabis in private is legal, many aspects of producing, processing, storing, possessing, transporting and selling it are still against the law. One can only have a limited quantity in your possession, equivalent to what can be personally consumed which is quantified by the law as a maximum of 600g per individual in their private space or 100g in a public place but kept out of public view. The consumption of cannabis products is only permitted in private places, by adults. Consuming cannabis in public spaces remains a criminal offence. Supplying a minor, i.e. a child under the age of 18 years, with any form of recreational cannabis is a serious offence. In summary any deviation from the legally defined recreational use, possession or cultivation of cannabis by an adult in private is a criminal offence. It is very important to research and be informed about the legal limits that apply to the acquisition and consumption of recreational cannabis products so that you do not unwittingly find yourself on the wrong side of the law.

Depending on how cannabis is processed and produced, and on the individual consumers response, it is considered a stimulant, depressant or hallucinogen. Different consumers have a variety of physical and psychological experiences in response to cannabis which is perhaps one of the most intriguing things about it. Whatever the individual effect, it has the capacity to alter your state of mind. While some people may feel more alert, refreshed and aware after smoking cannabis, other users may feel relaxed, sleepy or calm. If you do part-take in the cannabis, be mindful of how it works for you and whether any activities you participate in will be meaningfully impacted. Like with consuming alcohol, responsibility and personal accountability are extremely important. Some cannabis activists point out that it is only mildly addictive – significantly less than other legalized and regulated substances. Long-term, frequent use has been shown to lead to potential addiction as with cigarettes and alcohol.

Schools, colleges and places of higher education have rules that speak to the use and consumption of substances by their students and on campus-owned sited. It bares knowing in advance what your institution articulates in its policies about the use of substances. Here are some examples taken from university handbooks:

Illness or unfitness to take an examination, caused by taking drugs of any kind except on the advice of a medical practitioner, may be rejected as grounds for the granting of a deferred examination;

A student must not commit the act of sale, distribution, use or possess any illegal drug, as defined by the Drug and Drug Trafficking Act 140 of 1992, on campus;

A student must not drive a vehicle on the University campuses while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs to such an extent as to be incapable of exercising proper control of such vehicle;

A student may be excluded from cover in the medical and insurance scheme as a result of the influence of alcohol, drugs or narcotics upon the student;

Security service guidelines for dealing with people who are drunk or under the influence of drugs on campus property: (after a series of preliminary interventions) the person will be removed to a place of safety where a decision can be made regarding their immediate future.

As illustrated from the above examples, campuses and institutions usually have strict policies around incapacity to conduct tasks, insurance liability and disruptive behaviours as a result of consuming substances. They may go so far as to affect the person’s future with the institution, even resulting in suspension or expulsion. The key take away is that even as one is having fun, being mindful of the institutional rules that may impact on your academic record and good standing for graduation from your programme should always be a priority to be considered. You should know your limits and regulate your use of marijuana (if you do in fact use it) to be within the limits of the law and the policies of your education institution.

Companies and specific kinds of jobs have policies that govern employee behaviour in relation to the use of substances. Some have a “zero tolerance” policy for drug use, even for legal substances such as cannabis. Staff may be subject to random drug tests (as long as the company implements these in accordance with labour laws). Professions in the education, medical and mining industries may have much stricter policies about legal alcohol and cannabis consumption. Such policies often exist where staff need to operate, check or work with heavy machinery. For example, in mining the machine operators, engineers and health and safety officers have “zero tolerance” policies, even for consumption activities outside of working hours due to the potentially dangerous nature of the work and the high stakes risks that intoxication or residual intoxication pose. As an intern or on a work-study learning programme at a mining site, you too would be subject to random drug tests. Having cannabis in your system, even if it was consumed days before, may lead to disciplinary action. It is worth noting that tests to detect cannabis in the system identify the presence of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which can remain in the system for long periods after consumption. For first-time cannabis users THC will leave the system after a few days, but for regular users the compound gradually builds up and remains detectable for significantly longer periods after actual consumption.

If you do use cannabis products, make sure to know the risks – as with any mood altering, potentially addictive substance. Know the laws governing and regulating its use so that you do not risk arrest, prosecution and ending up with a criminal record which will have long-lasting effects. Ensure that you are aware of your education institution’s policies about cannabis use so that it does not put your graduation at risk. When you start working as an employee, be informed about the company policies and restrictions about substance use and related disciplinary steps. As with all things, responsible use and education about the effects and repercussions of cannabis use will protect you from negative impacts and allow you to enjoy the herb without risking your health, well-being, academic track and professional prospects.

*We are aware that long-term, regular and heavy use of cannabis can lead to substance addiction. If you experience strong impulses for, or a sense of dependency on cannabis or any other addictive substance and are unable to control your consumption we urge you to seek help from an addiction counselling service. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group has a hotline to help those living with addiction. Contact 0800 12 13 14 if you or somebody you know is struggling with substance abuse.

When one looks up “alcohol in South Africa” an abundance of bad news posts come up about alcohol abuse, traumas and deaths related to alcohol consumption and what is described as South Africa’s toxic relationship with drinks. You would think we have a problem or something, and you would by and large be correct. We are amongst the top consumers in the world of alcohol, with binge drinking and alcoholism identified as serious public health and safety issues. On the other hand, we produce some of the best wines in the world, the Western Cape Winelands are massive domestic and international tourist attractions for the beauty and quality of the produce and traditional beer has been a part of local culture for centuries. Enjoying alcohol responsibly and in moderation is possible.

Stepping back in time, traditional beer brewing has been part of southern Africa’s history for centuries. In isiZulu, isiXhosa and Xitsonga it is known as umqombothi, the Basotha call it mohlaba and in Tshivenda it is mahafhe. Traditional brews have been a part of festivals, spiritual life and social cohesion, playing an important part in honouring our ancestors and building connections between people. The ways in which it is prepared, stored, served and shared have meaning beyond getting a taste of alcohol. The utensils historically used in the making of traditional beer from clay pots, beer beakers, and calabashes to straining bags and skimming spoons were developed over time to include meaning and beauty. Today, umqombothi continues to be used for different ceremonies and festivities but it is also sold to tourists to give them an immersive taste of local culture. Depending on how long it is fermented for, umqombothi generally has a low alcohol content compared to commercially sold beers and is rich in vitamin B.

Staying in the nostalgic frame of mind, winemaking has a shorter history in South Africa but still we have ascended to be amongst the top producers in the world for quality and variety. The first vine is reported to have been planted in the Cape Colony by Jan van Riebeeck, but it was only when the French Huguenots settled in the colony at the end of the 17^th century that viticulture and winemaking flourished in this region. Today a tasting tour of the Constantia, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Robertson valleys – to name but a few of the prominent vineyard and cellar areas – is a breath-taking experience enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

Upon a considered view of alcohol as a part of South African social culture and of great economic significance, on the surface of things we could really have a beautiful relationship. But a minor scratch to get deeper will reveal that over-indulgence, addiction, violence and a public health crisis is more indicative of our reality. Many explanations exist for why this is so including our traumatic history that continues to impact life today, the type of legislation we have that makes alcohol very cheap and easy to obtain and a widespread culture of heavy drinking across the board. Perhaps it is time to pause and consider what kind of relationship you want to have with alcohol, especially when you are still young and are only starting or have recently started to drink.

Finishing high school and going off to study at university or college ushers in a significant stage in one’s life journey. You are entering the early stages of individual freedom where more of life’s choices are your own decision. Parents and guardians no longer have direct control over your day-to-day activities, there are no longer teachers overseeing your academic life. It is a time where many people experiment – trying to find what they like, who they are and what they want. It’s an important developmental period where lots of changes occur in our transition from childhood to young adulthood. One of the freedoms many people look forward to is being able to legally purchase and drink alcohol once they turn 18. It is no surprise that as all these freedoms converge, some crazy things happen like consuming copious amounts of alcohol. Sometimes being drunk can be harmless, but it is always risky. The risk of all sorts of danger is imminent from disorderly behaviour, walking while drunk, driving while drunk, lowered inhibitions and diminished reflexes. It can leave one vulnerable to becoming a victim of a crime or limit inhibitions to the point where you cannot make sound judgements and you become the perpetrator of a crime. Even where these high-risk behaviors are not necessarily the result of drunkenness, what is almost always a result is anti-social behaviour that is a nuisance to those around you such as regressive physical capacity where you cannot perform the simplest tasks like using a toilet in the manner appropriate for your age, slurred speech, unpredictable control of your limbs, overly loud speech and soaring emotions. Finding the balance between enjoying a drink or 2 and complete inebriation is a lesson we all need to learn early on – for our safety and dignity!

How then can we learn our own limits and fit in with the social settings we participate in? It’s a difficult balance, considering we have a culture of overindulgence as far as drinking is concerned. We certainly need more considered education around healthy drinking habits as a public service. Binge drinking is a national problem in South Africa and has been for a long time. We have a high mortality and trauma rate related directly to alcohol consumption. Namibia, Eswatini and South Africa are in the top five highest alcohol consumers in the world according to a World Health Organisation report released in 2018. It’s interesting, and concerning, that three of the heaviest drinking nations are direct neighbours. When everyone around you is drinking to get drunk, it’s hard not to follow suit especially if you have not even thought about why you want to drink. It seems like a simple question, but in fact it requires deep contemplation. As an engaged and active citizen, one needs to think of the broader impacts your alcohol consumption has on your environment, immediate communities and the public at large. Considering your own physical and mental health, it is vital to know how alcohol consumption impacts these 2 areas of life. There are long-lasting impacts that can emerge later in life after years of heavy drinking. It is not all bad news though, certain alcoholic beverages consumed in very limited quantities are known to have health benefits such as the polyphenols found in good quality in red wine. As an instrument of social cohesion, such as participating in the Holy Communion wine chalice (halted during the Covid-19 pandemic), having umqombothi at weddings and other festivities, or attending a winelands weekend event are ways that healthy levels of drinking (without driving) can work to build community between people.

As a student and employee, there are additional concerns regarding performance and conduct that could have an impact on your academic or professional life. In your university or college handbook, there will be rules pertaining to conduct and lack of performance due to alcohol (and drug) consumption. Misconduct and poor performance due to substance abuse can lead to exclusion. Many companies have strict policies about alcohol consumption on their premises and impairments linked to mind and behaviour altering substances have disciplinary action consequences. In serious cases, particularly where inebriation poses a health and safety risk or can cause reputational damage to the company’s brand, alcohol consumption or misconduct can lead to termination of one’s employment contract.

Drinking is one of those commonplace activities that actually requires a lot of thinking and planning. Understanding yourself, your limits and your level of responsibility as an adult are all factors to be considered for setting personal boundaries. Once a healthy level of boundaries has been established, you can then enjoy the social aspect of drinking knowing that you have a set point where you will stop while still enjoying the experience.

We are living through an interesting era that allows for the development of new skills, abundant creativity, and instant communication with people situated all over the world.

The best illustration of this is in the palm of our hands. The mobile phone has become a device and platform that supports millions of jobs through its existence.

For example, app stores continue to provide economic opportunities for entrepreneurs of all sizes. This helps anyone with an idea to reach customers around the world and take advantage of new opportunities that would never be possible without it. Creator/freelancer platforms like Fiverr, Gumroad and UpWork offer a global marketplace for professionals to meet and collaborate with clients.

The stark reality of the job market is that some professionals only need a computer and an Internet connection to create economic value. Inside this modern business ecosystem, there are jobs that did not draw much attention only five years ago.

Today, more people are streaming to the following jobs in numbers:

Social Media Influencer

Influencers in social media are people who have grown a reputation for their knowledge and expertise on a specific or a combination of subjects.

They usually publish regular posts about those topics on their social media platforms and generate audiences of people who consume their content. The job opportunity arises when corporate organizations see commercial and marketing value in working with social media influencers. Collaboration between the two groups is made possible because Influencers can set social trends and inspire their audience to purchase specific products or join causes, they are commissioned to promote.

Due to this dynamic, more people have a chance to create job opportunities using their personality, knowledge and unique life experiences. And to be a successful social media influencer, it’s important to write well.

Bloggers were the first group of social media users who used their writing to build communities, wield social influence and make money from it.

Online dating profile writers

Online dating has become ‘acceptable’ in the last few years. It wasn’t too long ago that people raised their eyebrows at couples that started their relationships online.

The proof is in the growing business of writing online dating profiles. These are professionals who write other people’s online dating profiles to increase the chances of attracting potential dates. The process also includes offering pointers on selecting images, editing, tailored dating advice and the writing of personalized bios.

The market exists because not all people find it easy to speak confidently about their character traits. The role of the ghostwriter is to view the client objectively and write about their qualities in a way that presents them in an eye-catching manner.

Newsletter writer

Newsletters have existed in different forms for a long time. However, it is a fairly new concept to sell writing directly to subscribers.

This type of writing work offers independence for skilled writers who may want to work on their own terms. There is no better feeling than the freedom to decide what you work on, how you spend your time, and whom you do business with.

That’s exactly what Polina Pompliano did when she left her writer & editor job at Fortune magazine. She founded her newsletter The Profile. As a media business owner, she has the task of reading many profiles of people and companies to bring her readers the most thought-provoking stories every Sunday. That is the basis of her business.

The opportunity to monetize writing skills is becoming more popular and viable as corporate businesses commit to adopting new work processes that allow for flexibility. For example, sourcing independent creators to work with in order to meet business objectives.

In the modern economy, the ability to build an audience around your skills can be a lucrative job.

Content (Marketing) Manager

The need for organizations to have regularly updated websites has generated jobs for people who write well and think creatively to contribute to the process.

Working with the newly formed roles of SEO specialists and social media editors, content marketing managers create branded content for businesses. The aim is to engage people, build an audience and make the content easily discoverable.

The content manager creates and publishes media on online platforms. They work with visual graphic designers, app developers and other professionals to produce media properties.

In order to develop a consistent brand for a company, the content manager’s skills must include strong writing and editing skills.

Chief Listening Officer

With the growth of social media consumption, it has become important for organizations to keep their digital ears on the ground.

It has never been easier to chat to businesses. Customers now interact with organizations like they do with friends – on WhatsApp, Twitter, through chatbots, etc.

A C.L.O’s main role is to monitor in-house and outside communications that connect with the organization. This includes gathering information from customers to developing a strategy that helps foster improved relationships with customers and employees.

The growth of these jobs is partly supported by the growth of social media usage and the importance of data in business – the same technologies that were young 10 years ago.

Apart from being a tool that helps us store and communicate important information, writing is also an easily accessible and flexible type of therapy. That’s reason enough to celebrate and start looking at writing as a catalyst to improved mental health, academic and career success.

As a student, you process copious amounts of knowledge that is produced from your studies. On top of the coursework, it’s also important to develop and maintain healthy relationships with other students and your lecturers. Most of that ‘relationship work’ will involve writing to those people. In many instances, the life of a student is centered on writing and organizing notes, irrespective of the type of qualification they are studying for. 

A regular writing habit (especially outside of academic work) helps with finding meaning in daily experiences. It also helps to observe those experiences from a renewed perspective. As a result, you will tend to see the silver lining even during your most negative and stressful moments.

Writing out your thoughts and feelings helps you have a strong handle on the following mental health challenges:

• Grief and loss

When a loved one passes away, we can find solace, reflection and acceptance by writing about their life and the lessons they taught you.

• Anxiety

Many people can attest to having a childhood filled with anxiety. Keeping a journal and publishing blogs about life and your learning can help you become better at communicating your thoughts. Consequently, you can also become more confident and sociable.

• Depression

2020 was a mentally challenging year for the world and it’s fair to say many were in a dark mental space. Having a creative outlet like writing proved to be therapeutic and a good distraction given all the was happening in the world because of the Carona Virus.

• Communication skills

Taking the plunge to publish your thoughts and knowledge can allow you to gather feedback and improve. The feedback loop can boost your confidence. It also invites people with the same perspective to reach out.

The benefits of writing your thoughts and feelings:

• Build a second brain that spans years

Imagine if you were to read through ten years’ worth of notes that you wrote, on different topics, moods and attitudes.

That collection of notes is a powerful repository of knowledge that shows different mindsets of the same person. It is the act of creating a second brain.

When you are armed with a collection of notes that span back years, you can look at your mind outside of yourself, so to speak. This gives you the ability to identify behavioural patterns that lead to how you interact with the world.

• Write for mental and emotional clarity

Every time you decide to face a blank page or screen to express yourself or make a To-Do list, you choose to sharpen your mind.

Writing helps with the thinking process. Over time, it makes it easier to remember details from lectures, meetings, articles, videos and other media.

As you develop a strong writing habit, you’ll begin to pay more attention to your behaviour and the world around you.

• Improve your creativity

When you organize information using notes, you invariably elevate your creativity in the process. The notes carry different pieces of information and that presents an opportunity to combine the ideas written in your notebook to create fresh ideas.

A systematic way to store notes encourages open-mindedness. And it puts you in a position to make connections between contrasting ideas.

A writing habit is also an opportunity to develop a consistent idea generation system.

• Learn to store (and perhaps, publish) the ideas that you learn

The reality is that in every interaction you have there is something interesting to learn. From throwaway conversations, television series episodes, movies, YouTube video right through to music.

When you have a system to save and sort that information, learning becomes easier and happens anywhere. When you are an avid note taker, you listen to people with a strong intent to understand them and learn something new.

Collecting notes is a great way to inspire curiosity.

• Maintain relationships in your life like a champ with clear communication

Another interesting reality is that when you improve your writing skills, your relationships benefit. Writing necessitates that the writer resolves any emotional chaos they may have happened inside of them in order to create words that connect with other people.

Along with a daily writing habit grows the ability to communicate thoughts in a clear manner. When you can write clearly the quality of your conversations also improves.