A woman who has triumphed over cancer is advocating for the easing of cannabis laws in Fiji, asserting that the plant has significant health advantages that must not be overlooked in the proposed Narcotics Bill. Mereoni Taginadavui, a 64-year-old representative from Bua Women’s, shared her personal experience during public consultations, revealing that she turned to cannabis while battling her illness.
Taginadavui recounted how she would crush cannabis leaves by hand to extract the juice, which she consumed to alleviate her pain. She emphasized that her use of cannabis was solely for medicinal purposes, stating, “I did not use it for any other purpose.” As a cancer survivor for more than 25 years, she credited her early diagnosis and holistic treatments, including cannabis, for her recovery.
Reflecting on her treatment journey, she described the grueling nature of chemotherapy, recalling moments when she struggled to even walk. However, she found solace in cannabis, which she used on the recommendation of a friend. “I used cannabis to help me with my fight against cancer. We need to consider its health benefits and relax the law to allow its proper use,” she urged.
Currently, Fiji lacks specific laws governing the controlled medicinal use of cannabis, despite many individuals with chronic conditions expressing reliance on it. Taginadavui warned, “If we ignore its potential, we may be denying patients a chance at a better quality of life.” She believes that with strict regulations in place, cannabis can be safely used for medical treatment, thus minimizing the risk of misuse.
Supporting Taginadavui’s call for reform, Vinaina Ratuvelawa affirmed the positive effects of cannabis, saying, “We should see marijuana as having a positive impact. God saw what He created and saw that it was good. I believe there are many health benefits.”
In response to these sentiments, Inspector Jemesa Lave, who consults for the Narcotics Bill, announced that discussions surrounding industrial hemp have already commenced, and the concerns raised in the consultations will be forwarded to the Ministry of Trade.
This growing dialogue around cannabis presents a hopeful outlook for patients and advocates alike, potentially paving the way for legislation that recognizes the plant’s therapeutic properties and provides better healthcare options for those in need.
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