Judge Dennis Davis suggested the applicants approach expert witnesses to bolster their case.

CAPE TOWN - A decade long legal tussle to have the prohibition of dagga declared unconstitutional has come before the Western Cape High Court.

But before the matter gets underway, Judge Dennis Davis suggested the applicants approach expert witnesses to bolster their case.

Davis has postponed the matter until March to give the applicants time to produce supporting argument.

Gareth Prince and 16 others are challenging the constitutionality of criminalising cannabis.

The judge said they had only submitted a series of articles, which was not admissible because it lacked expertise.

Davis said he was not attempting to delay proceedings, but wanted a fair trial.

The matter will be heard before a full bench of the High Court next year.