Gov’t should be bold and decriminalise marijuana forthwith

Dear Editor, I write as a sincere, solid supporter of President Granger and the Coalition.

However, it is useful to discuss in public a matter that bothers me. It is the question of marijuana in our society.

Earlier many of us felt that its use could only add to our woes and therefore did not support those who argued about its usefulness.

I attended the CARICOM-sponsored forum which was held some months ago at the St. Stanislaus College and heard the passion of those who use the ‘weed.’ Outside of Guyana, I shared similar discussions on this matter of marijuana use.

It is now my considered opinion

that the Government should be bold and be positive in dealing with this matter and have it decriminalised forthwith.

This week I raised the question with a senior Cabinet member, who could not provide me with lucid answers, in fact, that person seemed clueless regarding the next step to be taken. Speaking with experienced medical persons they all felt that a movement forward on ‘medical marijuana’ would be a good thing. I’m not sure which Minister or Ministry should take the initiative but full open discussions should be held earliest. Let us hear from all.

The Internet is available to all who can read about the latest development worldwide. To date, thirty countries including Argentina, Australia, Canada, Germany, Israel and Jamaica have legalised marijuana for medical and recreational use. Canada and Australia are looking at a billion-dollar resource. They have taken advantage of the fast changing perception on dealing with this plant everywhere.

Last year October, a Gallup survey showed that 64% of persons wanted to see ‘weed’ legalised. We have had advanced many negatives, but what is broader, deeper and wider is how our parents, educational institutions, communities and religious organisations can guide this generation to act responsibly at all times, to anchor our lives on lofty moral principles and learning to care and respect one another.

Next, there is the contention that the use of marijuana can change our ‘personality or behaviour.’ If this be the case, then we should prohibit the manufacture, sale and use of all liquor and alcoholic beverages.

Growing up, I have had the experience of a close family member who normally was docile, calm and rational but after imbibing alcohol became aggressive and behaved in an unacceptable manner. Daily we have examples of people doing wrong and illegal things when under the influence of liquor.

I say to those purists, should we therefore ban the manufacture, sale and use of alcohol?

Beyond the above, we are missing an opportunity to cash in on something we can produce for export to ready markets.

A friend told me last week that an expert in Jamaica told him that the marijuana harvested from a certain area in Guyana was of the highest quality.

May I add this caveat, unlike gas and oil, as my wife quipped in a recent conversation, we don’t need to import skills to make millions for marijuana –it is apparent we already possess those skills - so I say to my Government what are we waiting for?

Be bold be brave. Be the beneficiaries of the Creator’s bounty.

Don’t let us be like King Canute who tried to hold back the tide.

I sent copies of this letter to His Excellency the President, Hon Prime Minister and Ministers responsible for Public Health, Legal Affairs, Agriculture, National Security and Social Cohesion. Yours faithfully, Hamilton Green