Arthur Dash
THE EDITOR: The debate on whether the decriminalisation of
marijuana at this time is a good thing for the country has raised its
head from time to time in recent months. Ideally, decriminalisation
should mean legalisation, but that is not really the case here.
In the first place TT was never known to have friendly ideas on the
use of marijuana. It was only because of peer pressure created by the
new policies in Jamaica, Barbados, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia that
a change of attitude was brought about in TT. Thus it is not surprising
that the laws governing the use and possession of marijuana would
continue to be oppressive and anti-user friendly.
I am not suggesting that the country plunges 100 per cent into its
use and possession without safeguards and restrictions. The facts are
that the medicinal properties of marijuana are now recognised and
accepted by the medical fraternity, something our ancestors have known
for thousands of years.
I do not propose to go into the medical inroads that have been made
at this time, but suffice it to say that medical usage can help millions
of people worldwide. This is widely accepted and has been the case for
some time in some countries, under regulations.
However, there are hidden dangers in the use of marijuana when
abused. It induces a feeling of well-being and accomplishment which
leads to complacency and non-productive behaviour, especially in young
adults.
The danger in the actual use of the herb lies in the strength of the
variety. Some varieties are so strong that they can induce
hallucinations or produce a psychotic episode. Psychosis of this nature
requires medical assistance and guidance to overcome it.
Some recover
while others develop a mental condition called schizophrenia. The person
now has to be on medication indefinitely.
The problem described here usually starts with the first experience
with the herb, so people trying it for the first time are advised to use
a weaker variety and be properly supervised.
I am not advocating for anyone to start using marijuana. I am just
pointing out the hidden dangers of this “harmless” herb, which is not so
harmless after all.
I do expect and advise a proper educational component of the relevant
law, as now more than ever we need a productive population instead of
concentrating on the “all-inclusives” and other non-productive behaviour
as a nation.
JOEL QUINTAL
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