Maseru, March 15 — Local residents have expressed concern over the increasing use of dagga among young people in Lesotho, warning that it is affecting mental health, fueling crime and causing tension within families.
In an interview with the agency, Mr. Chaka Taunyane said the use of dagga in Lesotho is very high, noting that the problem is becoming increasingly visible in many communities. He explained that the rise in dagga use is partly due to a lack of education among young people about the drug and its harmful effects.
“Many youths use dagga without fully understanding the consequences it may have on their lives,” Mr. Taunyane said. He added that in many villages, dagga negatively affects young people, often making them lazy and impairing their ability to think independently. “This can have serious implications for their future if the issue is not addressed,” he said.
Mr. Taunyane also pointed out that the problems seen in society are not caused by dagga alone but are linked to the use of other drugs. He added that dagga can contribute to criminal activities because some users eventually become addicted.
He said the government is not doing enough to control the use of dagga and urged more efforts to address the issue. “Many people are not aware of the dangers associated with using dagga,” he said. He advised young people to reduce their use of the drug, warning that it can hold them back and prevent them from achieving their goals.
Meanwhile, Mr. Phillip Lets’olo said dagga should be legalized for medicinal purposes and that Basotho should be allowed to trade it legally. He explained that proper regulation could help control how the substance is used in the country.
He noted that people use dagga for different reasons, including medication, religious purposes, and enjoyment. However, he emphasized that there must be proper awareness of how it should be used. Mr. Phillip also suggested that people using dagga for medicinal or religious purposes should be issued permits, and anyone found using it without authorization should face legal action.
Ms. Nthabiseng Khutlisi suggested that stronger measures, including the creation of more job opportunities for young people, could reduce the drug’s appeal. “Many youths turn to dagga because of stress and depression,” she explained. She urged young people to stop using dagga, warning that it is dangerous to their mental health.
Mr. Mapetja Seabatla, said the drug’s use continues to rise because young people often grow up seeing fathers, older brothers, and other adults smoking it openly. “They become curious and eventually imitate family members and friends who use dagga,” he explained.
Mr. Seabatla added that dagga negatively affects thinking and motivation, making young people reluctant to work or explore business opportunities. He said it has become a serious problem in his village and others, with several young people reportedly developing mental health problems.
Dagga use, he said, also contributes to crime. “Those who become dependent constantly crave the drug, and since it must be purchased with money and jobs are scarce, some users may resort to stealing to afford it,” he said.
He indicated that children who use the drug can become disrespectful or even insult their parents, sometimes causing conflicts when one parent tries to discipline the child while the other defends them.
He suggested that the government and police could do more to control dagga use by visiting communities regularly to educate the public about its dangers and taking action against sellers instead of accepting bribes.
“Many people are still unaware of the risks of dagga, as seen by the high number of users,” he said, urging young people to recognize its dangers before it harms their lives and those of their families.
Ends/ MAMAJ/tl
