“DAGGA COUPLE” DEATH

A senseless murder has rocked the worldwide cannabis community. The inspirational Jules Stobbs, one half of South Africa’s infamous “Dagga Couple”, was brutally shot dead in an armed robbery at his home, a small 6 acre farm holding in Lanseria, North of Johannesburg in the early hours of Friday 3rd July.

Mr Stobbs, 59, was killed by several bullets to the head and chest after disturbing the armed gang and trying to defend his long term partner Myrtle Clarke. Ms Clarke was luckily unharmed when the gunmen fled after nearby neighbours were alerted to the sounds of gunshots.  The “Dagga Couple” (Dagga being a South African term for cannabis) are most well known for founding the pro-cannabis organisation “DC” (Dagga Couple).

They first rose to prominence when in 2010 their home, better known as “Jazz Farm” a popular “well being retreat” and “social club” for open cannabis use, was raided by police and the couple were arrested for cannabis possession and dealing.   A 5hr ordeal ensued as the police held Jules at gunpoint and strip searched Myrtle 3 times whilst they searched for a drug lab that they believed to be in existence at the property. Disappointingly for the police, all that was eventually discovered was a 1/4 pound of cannabis! Under South African law however the couple were still facing a lengthy 10 year sentence if found guilty.

Not to be silenced or kept down, Jules and Myrtle launched an unexpected defence to the charges, something which became known in canna folklore as the “trial of the plant”. They used this opportunity to challenge South Africa’s cannabis laws. The Dagga Couple proceeded to sue 7 government departments on the basis that they were upholding laws that were unconstitutional or unjust in relation to the personal use and possession of cannabis.

The main argument was that many of the laws on cannabis prohibition were unjust, not based on evidential facts, outdated and just downright incorrect. They argued that as Cannabis was less harmful than alcohol or tobacco and had much medicinal benefit that it was illogical that it should be categorised alongside “controlled substances” such as Heroin and Cocaine. With publicity and funds pouring in from activists worldwide, the case rumbled on for over 5 years culminating in 2017 when the High Court in Cape Town ruled that the prohibition of personal cannabis use was indeed unconstitutional.

An appeal was launched but was unsuccessful and the original decision was upheld by the constitutional court in 2018. In short, the actions of Jules Stobbs and Myrtle Clarke had meant that the personal use of cannabis in South Africa was now fully legal! The couple were hailed as legends and heroes across the international cannabis community for this victory, proving that activism, carried out correctly can indeed make a change! The work continued however and Jules did not leave this landmark ruling as his only legacy to the Cannabis community.

In 2014 the Dagga Couple founded “Fields of Green for all” a non-profit organisation which continues today to support anyone who finds themselves facing criminal charges in relation to cannabis offences, helping them fight the illegitimacy of the charges. The organisation is also trying to pave the way for a responsible and well regulated cannabis future in terms of a legal market. Jules’ memorial was held in Pretoria as well as being live streamed to allow the international community to pay their respects.

The outpouring of condolences and tributes were many, including very poignantly a message from fellow activist Steve De Angelo, who Jules had just Interviewed on his podcast only hours before he was tragically killed. Posting to Instagram Steve De Angelo said: “ Today another cannabis angel is looking over us, giving us strength, urging us to never lose sight of the goal”  “The best way for us to honour Jules is to bring about the change he dedicated himself to.

May his spirit live on in our struggle. Always Onward, Forever Free.” His partner Myrtle has also spoken publicly, vowing to continue the work the Dagga Couple had started. The night Jules was killed he was wearing a t-shirt which read “good people obey bad laws” a point that she used to sum up the kind of man he was. “All Julian ever wanted to do was make the world a better place. Our mission has never been ventured around the good of the plant. It has always been about the harms of prohibition” “In the end Jules was shot and killed for his laptop, but the T-shirt says it all. I will not give up” At the time of going to press there has been no one charged in connection with the shooting. RIP Jules Stobbs.