The topic of "marijuana legalization" continues to gain traction throughout the Caribbean and Latin America with many countries moving towards legalizing the plant. Marijuana holds a very unique place in the hearts of the Rastafarian movement throughout the world and its no different in the Caribbean. In many Rastafarian communities marijuana is an integral part of their culture and their spiritual practice. In fact, among the many marijuana strains in the world, Jamaica is home to some of the best grades and one of the largest Rastafarian community. Marijuana has many well documented medicinal purposes ranging from glaucoma, asthma, cancer, inflammation, seizures, etc. It is on this basis that many States within the United States of America started reviewing and adjusting its stance on the matter. This has led to several states decriminalizing/ legalizing the plant for medicinal and recreational use. Following the lead from these States several Caribbean islands and Latin American countries initiated the debate of decriminalizing and legalizing, with many of these islands/country trying to cash in on the potential financial benefits that it bring.
Photo credit: https://herb.co/2016/01/26/20-bag-weed-looks-like-jamaica/
The debate in Belize has taken an interesting trail with the Attorney General of the country attacking the Churches who opposed the decriminalization of marijuana in the country. Michael Peyrefitte the Attorney General in his deliberation said "You are a pastor, be a pastor. You want to be a law maker, then you come and you be a law maker. You offer yourself to the people". Mr Peyrefitte continued saying, given the history of the Church with regard to the many atrocities committed in the country it has no moral authority to comment on the matter. This tone cause several within the leadership of the varying Churches to demand an apology and immediately withdraw the law but the Attorney General challenged the church leaders to run for political office and then repeal the law. Belize is one of the countries where some religious leaders are plagued with accusation of sexual abuse of children among other things and this move was seen by many as the Attorney General taking a shot at these leaders whose views are well respected and followed in the country.
This is only one of several debates going on throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. While I see the debate of decriminalization/ legalization of marijuana as a positive trend with many islands moving towards embracing the plant because as the financial benefit it may bring, I still ponder whether any of the islands have the necessary institution and structure to deal with the potential problems that marijuana may bring. It would certainly sounds exciting to offer that as part of the Tourism package. Many see it as an untapped Medical Tourism market which could easily create a billion dollar market as several marijuana base glaucoma drugs stemming from Jamaica has done extremely well on the international market.
For me, I would certainly welcome the exploration of medicinal use and research throughout the Caribbean as many of the islands offer their own unique strain of marijuana, envious among marijuana strain hunters. However, I would recommend education 'first' before giving the thumb up for recreational use as many of these islands lack the necessary institution/ structure or financial support that is needed to deal with any potential dangers that it may bring.
Please share your thoughts and ideas as we try to tackle this interesting matter
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Sources
https://www.breakingbelizenews.com/2017/11/04/attorney-general-churches-step-shut-up/
https://www.breakingbelizenews.com/2017/08/18/national-evangelical-association-belize-disagrees-gob-intent-steps-decriminalizing-marijuana/
http://www.caribbean360.com/news/now-officially-legal-use-marijuana-belize-restrictions
To me many researches have proving the medicinal benefits of marihuana already a long time ago. It is more a matter of getting a decent spot on the opium list, so it is only a prescribed substance similar to heavy painkillers.
Some guys are working on it big time, a Dutch friend of mine in Jamaica is really trying to get oil on the market, as a painkiller that is.
Well we know the Dutch is an open society, open to ideas and innovation...one of their attributes I love
The anti Pot vibe in the caribbean is a hold over from Slavery when the religious leaders were used to hold down the slaves. The failed racist Marijuana Prohibition of America is world wide and done out. Let My People Grow. Herb production will turn the Island into Solid Gold. Black and White unite for the rules of right ...
You would enjoy Peter Tosh, great reggae artist out of Jamaica, he has this one song with the lyrics, "Legalize it and I would advertise it"....blessing man, thanks for sharing your views
Marijuana
Amazing news. Enjoyed reading your post. Keep it up!
Its good for health more than cigarette
Good news
Great post.. We should kick against marijuana legalization. Is nice sharing this on the platform.
I believe legalization should be left up to the people of the country, for some of these islands, it could really help lift them above the water if they can be at the center of producing the medicinal products....I tried to present both side but I also aware that if the necessary awareness isn't highlighted it could be a disaster for some of them
Great post. Enjoyed reading. Upvoted and following u as always.
Regards Nainaz
#thealliance
Always good to have you reading my post
Very good post well done