Optimism buoyant on decriminalizing marijuana for medicinal purposes

Mar 17, 2014 News

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There is no doubt that marijuana use is prevalent in Guyana, and many are optimistic about a positive outcome on the discussions on decriminalizing the herb for medicinal purposes. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Inter-Sessional summit began these discussions last week in St. Vincent.
However, Heads of Government of CARICOM have mandated that a Regional Commission be set up to address issues identified in relation to marijuana use.00
This announcement was made by Chairman of the Conference of Heads of Government, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves at the recently concluded 25th Inter-sessional Meeting Tuesday.
Dr. Gonsalves disclosed that the Heads of Government engaged in intense discussions on the issue. He said that the debate covered marijuana’s medical use and the decriminalising of small quantities for recreational purpose. He explained that the economic benefits that might be derived from marijuana cultivation were also explored.
In an interview with this publication, an unemployed John Joseph (not real name), 35, who earns US$500 a week on the illegal marijuana trade, related that many Caribbean nationals are anxiously awaiting the outcome of the CARICOM discussions.
Joseph, who is anticipating that regional governments will agree to decriminalize the herb for medical purposes, said “many people don’t understand that abuse of anything is good for nothing, but the natural herb of the earth has its own purpose and using any plant should not be a crime.”
He continued: “I don’t do this just for the sake of it, I have a family and kids, but I also don’t have anything against marijuana use.”
These sentiments were echoed by many others who were interviewed.
Adding that decriminalizing marijuana use can even contribute to the economy directly and indirectly, Joesph said the marijuana plant will forever be cultivated and “don’t matter how much fields they burn down, it’s a losing cause to fight against the natural herb.”
Financial experts suggest that in Washington and Colorado, the legalization of marijuana may bring in as much as US$2.1 billion in revenue from new taxes in five years.
As recently as the 1980s, public opposition to marijuana was as high as 80%. Anti-pot movies like the 1936 film “Reefer Madness” led children and young adults to believe the use of marijuana would result in a life of social deviance (the film showed regular marijuana users committing suicide, conducting hit-and-run “accidents” as well as performing other clandestine activities).
The State of Legal Marijuana Markets in a report released in the United States last year noted that the funds to be obtained from the legal marijuana industry would outstrip the expansion of the global smartphone market.
According to a recent study by the Pew Research Center, 52% of Americans are now on board with legalizing marijuana. As today’s younger generation matures, that number is likely to climb.
“The region may wish therefore to explore any commercial benefit from a potential multi-billion dollar industry, including research and development and also the production of medical marijuana products,” the report underscored.
The illegal drug business is worth an estimated $400 billion a year in the United States alone. Marijuana offenses account for 48.3% of all drug arrests, according to an analysis of FBI data published in U.S. News & World Report. So presuming all marijuana sales become legal in the next 20 years, you can see the incredible growth potential — some 30% a year in compound annual growth.
If legalized, pharmaceutical companies, tobacco companies and other interested parties are going to want a piece of this relatively unexplored market. When that happens, there will be a massive scramble to acquire companies with established marijuana operations — especially those that have already proven to be profitable.
However, other sections of society note that the impact of marijuana will strain, particularly, the healthcare system, law enforcement and the judicial system. And there is need for foresight regarding medical marijuana.
Trinidad Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar contended that enough research had not been done by governments and experts on the issue and that the Caricom Secretariat had been ordered to compile a preliminary report for presentation to leaders at next week’s summit.
The Trinidadian PM had stated that, “We were of the view in our preliminary discussions that we’ll need much further research with respect to the medical issues as well as on the legislative and legal issues.”
The mandated commission is expected to address the issues identified, along with any others deemed relevant in providing clear guidance for the tough decisions that will need to be made in relation to this matter. The Commission is expected to report to the Regular Meeting of the Conference in July 2014.

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