What is Harm Reduction?

An end to unconstitutional laws with the legal regulation of Cannabis is the most effective Harm Reduction tool. A Century of Prohibition has failed to eradicate or reduce the use, cultivation and trade in the plant, all over the world.

Harm Reduction means reducing risks without demanding abstinence. It is an effective tool for ensuring our Cannabis community is afforded the dignity they deserve, based on Human Rights, not judgment or punishment. 

When it comes to Cannabis, harms (real or perceived) are twofold: 

The Harms of Prohibition

  • Ongoing Arrests & Incarceration despite privacy rights. 
  • Police raids, intimidation & harassment.
  • Profiling: Cliched perceptions of what Cannabis users look like results in young men being disproportionately targeted.
  • Inequality: marginalised communities are targeted most. 
  • Stigma: discrimination at work, schools, health care.
  • Ignorance: 100 years of prohibitionist propaganda has created a knowledge gap that extends from the general public to the government.
  • Youth at Risk: Unregulated trade does not enforce age limits.
  • Corruption: Exposure to unscrupulous police makes citizens vulnerable to this temptation.
  • Lack of Quality Standards: A direct result of no regulations which would require lab testing, accurate labelling, trained staff, etc.
  • Barriers to Access, Availability & Affordability of effective Cannabis medicines
  • Biopiracy: Vulnerability of our Cannabis plant heritage due to a lack of awareness of the value of our traditional knowledge.
  • Barriers to Entry: Resourced businesses get ahead despite legal grey areas.

Here at Fields of Green for ALL we promote active citizenry to reduce the Harms of Prohibition. Every. Single. Day. 

The Harms of Cannabis

Cannabis is not harmless. 

However, many harms are overstated or misunderstood. Because Cannabis is a psychoactive drug, first-time users are vulnerable when consuming Cannabis outside of safe spaces or in uninformed, unsupportive company. This is particularly true when Cannabis is consumed together with alcohol.

This list covers possible ill effects but is not definitive. 

  • Short-term mood alteration: Can include anxiety, paranoia, memory lapses, lowering of blood pressure in some individuals / inexperienced users.
  • Dependency is possible from long-term, heavy use – although Cannabis is not addictive and withdrawal symptoms are mild.
  • Impaired driving, although this is a hotly debated topic.
  • Mental Health Risks for vulnerable individuals, those with pre-existing conditions or genetic vulnerability to mental instability.
  • Respiratory Issues can occur if Cannabis is smoked together with tobacco or by individuals with compromised respiratory systems.
  • Youth at Risk: Cannabis is not recommended for those under the age of 18. The psychoactivity of the plant requires maturity.
  • Amotivational Syndrome can occur in some individuals but the “lazy stoner” is mostly a stigmatising stereotype.
  • Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome: A rare “allergic” reaction to Cannabis that causes severe nausea. 

How to Reduce the Harms of Cannabis

  • Know Your Rights
  • Know Your Dagga Farmer
  • Educate yourself
  • Be the responsible one around first-time users
  • Don’t consume Cannabis and alcohol at the same time
  • Vaping or dabbing instead of smoking if your lungs are vulnerable
  • Be conscious of your mental health
  • Don’t be a lazy stoner
  • Never consume edibles / drinks without knowing the dosage
  • Take tolerance breaks to avoid dependency / overuse 

Dagga Private Clubs / Cannabis Clubs / Private Associations as Harm Reduction

  • Provide safe, private spaces with trained staff and quality products
  • Reduce stigma & normalise responsible use.
  • Encourage community, education, and mutual care.
  • Keep Cannabis away from unsafe environments / operators.

All Dagga Private Clubs who support us receive a comprehensive Harm Reduction pack. The list of participating clubs is for members only. If you would like to find a club near you that supports us and follows Harm Reduction principles, please make sure you are logged in as a member
or sign up today – from only R49pm!


Together, we reduce harm. Together, we protect our rights.