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| Jamaica: The Ganja Culture |
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Posted by FoM on July 28, 2001 at 10:24:22 PT Editorial Source: Jamaica Gleaner 
We note that the National Commission on Ganja is nearing the end of its work. Some nine months of hearings have been held in all parishes aimed at framing recommendations about possible decriminalisation of the drug. As we understand it, the objective is to determine whether the drug should be decriminalised for limited personal use. The Commission, headed by Professor Barry Chevannes, was asked by the Prime Minister to examine the possible economic, cultural, social and international effects if a positive recommendation is instituted. Professor Chevannes has stated that a majority of some 250 persons appearing before the seven-member Commission were in favour of decriminalisation; but the Commission would not necessarily be swayed by that. Even before a final determination is reached we think it is important to recognise some current realities. Firstly, neither law nor gentle persuasion will ever eradicate the growth and use of ganja in this society. One remote possibility is the upgrading of legal farming activity to make it a more attractive economic alternative. We doubt that even the affable Roger Clarke as Minister of Agriculture is that optimistic. Secondly, chasing spliff smokers, as happens so often, is futile and counter-productive law enforcement. Policemen must know that the pungent aroma of the weed at pop music sessions and political rallies is more the rule than the exception. It is a part of the popular entertainment scene. In short, ganja is part of Jamaican culture even beyond the ritual usage that is fiercely defended on religious grounds. The negative side of ganja, of course, is the trafficking which is a major part of the crime scene. It will be difficult to separate this illegal aspect from the recreational or religious usage; which is what decriminalisation is all about. But the effort must be made. Maintaining a purely hardline stance against ganja is no more tenable than the 1919-33 Prohibition against alcohol was in the USA. The opinions on this page, except for the above, do not necessarily reflect the views of The Gleaner. News Article Courtesy of Mapinc. Related Articles: Rastafarian Meeting Bans Marijuana Jamaica Mulls Legalizing Marijuana Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help |
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Comment #2 posted by aahpat on August 31, 2001 at 10:23:02 PT:
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| The entire Jamaica Ganja Commission Report can be read online at the following permanent address. A printable version will be added soon. http://www.user1.netcarrier.com/~aahpat/ganja.htm" TARGET="View">Jamaican Ganja Commission Report www.user1.netcarrier.com/~aahpat/ganja.htm The original MSword document can be downloaded here: http://www.stcl.edu/faculty_pages/faculty_folders/terrell/csa/jamacrpt.doc (MSWord document brought to you by Professor Buford Terrel of the Drug Pat [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #1 posted by freedom fighter on July 29, 2001 at 22:46:35 PT |
| Legalize the ganja! [ Post Comment ] |
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