Swazi MP punts dagga to cure AIDS: SWAZILAND's parliament was thrown into uproar this week when an MP suggested the government use dagga to beat AIDS

Swazi MP punts dagga to cure AIDS: SWAZILAND's parliament was thrown into uproar this week when an MP suggested the government use dagga to beat AIDS

Sunday Times, South Africa - March 19, 2000
Lunga Masuku

Timothy Buthelezi asked the Minister of Health and Welfare, Dr Phetsile Dlamini, if the government had tried to establish whether dagga could provide a miracle cure for AIDS.

He said dagga could cure several diseases, and bemoaned the fact it was being destroyed in Swaziland.

He said dagga and other plants used by herbalists to treat diseases were now "environmentally threatened" and suggested they be protected instead of burnt by narcotics squads.

Buthelezi's comments amazed most MPs and delighted some, but he became even more outrageous when he moved on to condoms - saying many men, including himself, lost interest in sex if they had to use them.

Dlamini told Buthelezi that studying dagga as a potential cure for AIDS would be a waste of money.

But he was unfazed. When Dlamini asked whether she could remain seated to address the House because she was not well, Buthelezi immediately suggested she try dagga.

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