Guyana not even considering decriminalizing marijuana - Rohee

Guyana not even considering decriminalizing marijuana – Rohee

Mar 20, 2014 News

By Zena Henry
Government is resolute that marijuana will remain outlawed until the relevant legislation is determined. Despite earnest moves by the Caribbean Community (Caricom) towards the basis for the decriminalization of the herb for medical purposes, Guyana is yet to start discussions on the way forward.

Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee

Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee said, yesterday, that the government has not yet come together to discuss the issue and it is unclear when it would do so. He said that the current position stands in terms of the decriminalization of marijuana in any amount. Any change to that remains with the Administration.
In terms of the recommended marijuana assessment committee, the Minister said that its commissioning has not been put in place. He could not say when it will be manifested. “The government will have to decide that,” he said.
Crime Chief Seelall Persaud has also stated that unless legislation is changed, the police position on the matter remains the same.
Last January, Rohee emphasized the Government’s “zero tolerance” against the possession and trafficking of illegal drugs. While debate is taking place globally over the issue of legalising the herb, the Minister had indicated that Guyana would not be taking that road any time soon.
However, at a two-day summit of Caricom heads in St. Vincent and the Grenadines last week, it was agreed “in principle,” that marijuana for medicinal purposes should be decriminalised, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar told reporters.
She said no decision was taken on the issues, but pointed out that Governments, before making any steps, would want to consult with its people and do the necessary groundwork. Caribbean governments are looking towards not only the economical positives of the plant, but also to the numerous health benefits, and the use of the plant for recreational purposes.
It was reported also that researchers with a Caribbean trade bloc have found that “decriminalising marijuana and exploring its use for medicinal purposes could help boost the region’s sluggish economy”. It is for this reason that Caricom recommended that the small Caribbean nations host in-depth stakeholder consultations to ascertain the necessity or relevance of decriminalizing the plant in the various states.
St. Lucia’s National Security Minister, Robert La Corbiniere, has already hinted at non-support for plans to decriminalize marijuana for medical, recreational or religious purposes. Reports out of the island said that the Minister made specific mention on the escalation of marijuana use and possible underlying effects.

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