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| Decriminalise it, Says Ganja Commission |
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Posted by FoM on August 16, 2001 at 12:26:17 PT Observer Reporter Source: Jamaica Observer 
After months of public and private hearings across the island, the National Ganja Commission has recommended the decriminalisation of ganja for personal, private use by adults and for use as a sacrament for religious purposes.At the same time, the commission has recommended that the state should begin an intensive education programme to reduce the demand for the drug, particularly among young people; that the security forces increase their efforts of interdiction of large-scale cultivation of ganja and trafficking of all illegal drugs; and that the country, as a matter of urgency, should seek diplomatic support for its position and to influence the international community to re-examine the status of cannabis. The recommendation is, however, likely to be controversial, both locally and internationally and will no doubt grab the attention of the United States government which, through its Kingston embassy, has made it clear that it opposes the decriminalisation of the drug. National security and justice minister, K D Knight has also repeatedly opposed decriminalisation of the herb, but the recommendation is likely to be welcomed by the Rastafarian community which uses the weed as a religious sacrament and has repeatedly called for its legalisation. Prime Minister P J Patterson set up the commission last November, instructing it to hear testimony, review the literature and evaluate the research, and then indicate what changes, if any, should be made to the country's laws in relation to ganja use. It was also mandated to recommend any diplomatic initiatives, security considerations and educational processes that should be undertaken along with any proposed changes. The commission was headed by dean of the faculty of social sciences at the University of the West Indies, Professor Barry Chevannes. Other members were Rev Dr Webster Edwards; Anthony Freckleton, a publisher; attorney, Norma Linton Q C; DiMario McDowell, a graphic artist; Dr Aileen Standard-Goldson, the chairman of the National Council on Drug Abuse; and Barbara Smith, an educator. The commission, whose ruling was made public yesterday, has also recommended that Jamaica set up a cannabis research agency in collaboration with other countries to conduct research into all aspects of cannabis, including its epidemiological and psychological effects, and its pharmacological and economic potential as is being done by other countries. According to the commission's report, such research was being done by countries including some which are most vigorous in the suppression of the use of ganja. If the recommendations of the commission are to be accepted by the government, the Dangerous Drugs Act will have to be amended, which the commission has also recommended. The report of the commission also acknowledged the health dangers of smoking the weed, but said after reviewing the most up-to-date body of medical and scientific research, it was of the view that whatever health hazards the substance posed to individuals did not warrant the criminalisation of thousands of Jamaicans for using it in ways and with beliefs that are deeply rooted in the culture of the people. The commission said it came to this position after interviewing 400 persons from "all walks of life", including professionals and influential leaders of the society. "The overwhelming majority share the view that ganja should be criminalised for personal, private use," the report said. "The prosecution of simple possession for personal use itself, diverts the justice system from what ought to be a primary goal, namely the suppression of the criminal trafficking in substances, such as crack/cocaine, that are ravaging urban and rural communities with addiction and corrupting otherwise productive people," the report said. In the meanwhile, it said after careful consideration of the legal issues involved, it concluded that decriminalisation would in no way breach the United Nations Drug Conventions which have been ratified by Jamaica. This was especially so, it said, when arguments of human rights, including the proposed charter of rights being discussed by Parliament, are taken into account. Newshawk: TroutMask Related Articles: Jamaica: The Ganja Culture Rastafarian Meeting Bans Marijuana Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help |
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| Comment #5 posted by FoM on August 16, 2001 at 12:51:42 PT |
| I'm working on my new computer and checked in and saw your post and quick went and got the copyright info. and got it posted! I always wanted to go to Jamaica Mon! PS: The missing comment was and duplicate post. I didn't censor a comment just removed a double post if anyone wonders why comment 3 is missing. [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #4 posted by TroutMask on August 16, 2001 at 12:44:12 PT |
| Yep, poor Uncle Sam is having a harder and harder time keeping all his "kids" (other countries) in line. I laugh in his face. Dear DEA: You are losing. Bite me. Love, -TM [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #2 posted by The Offspring on August 16, 2001 at 12:34:44 PT |
| Jamaica will have alot of support from other countries. Canada, Britain, Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands. I don'y expect Uncle Sam to join them yet. [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #1 posted by TroutMask on August 16, 2001 at 12:29:34 PT |
| The choices for vacation destination seem to grow daily... It sure is fun watching marijuana prohibition disintegrating after 20+ years of waiting. Every country that takes a step toward decrim helps yet another country do the same. Hmmm, is this the gateway effect??? -TM [ Post Comment ] |
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