US hypocrisy over ganja an issue for Jamaica
USCGC Paul Clark
(CNS): As the moves towards the decriminalization of ganja in Jamaica inches along, one of the leading newspapers in the country has pointed out in a recent editorial that the island nation’s plans to introduce the legal cultivation and a regulated marijuana industry could be undermined by the actions of the US outside its borders. Less than a week ago the US Coast Guard seized more than 4,000 pounds of ganja, with a street value of nearly $4 million, after intercepting a vessel off the south coast of Jamaica and the US Drug Enforcement Agency has made it clear that it does not consider cannabis to have any medical value.
Although ganja is legal in a number of states, mostly for medical purposes, and while the US government has acknowledged and is researching the now broadly accepted medicinal value of ganja, the law enforcement agencies are still fighting the war on drugs and have invested in a number of new vessels, including the USCGC Paul Clark, which was part of the recent Caribbean bust.
In its editorial The Gleaner pointed out that this could have repercussions for Jamaica, and while it “must be mindful” about the US position, it cannot wait on the United States to address its hypocritical drug policies, the paper said.
Jamaica is positioning itself to be the regional leader in ganja production in anticipation of the inevitable, if slow, change that is coming in relation to a drug that many believe is not just harmless to adults but has miraculous health benefits.
While Colorado, which has legalised ganja, is reaping in tax dollars and doctors are prescribing it to HIV patients in California, after seizing over 103 bales of the drugs during the operation, the US Coast Guard is promising more fronts in the war on drugs.
America’s contradictory attitude to ganja is a problem now that worldwide public opinion about the drug is changing. The US was bragging about the seizure as well as its investment in the war that it has been losing for years.
“This is another great achievement for the Paul Clark crew and highlights what the Coast Guard’s newest cutter can do to help reduce the negative impact illicit trafficking has on the United States and our Caribbean neighbours,” said Lt Lloyd Belcher, commanding officer aboard the Paul Clark. “We prevented these drugs from coming ashore, but we also hope the prosecution of the suspected smugglers can begin to dismantle the transnational criminal organisations that profit from these illicit activities,” he said. “That’s the ultimate goal.”
http://www.drugpolicy.org/sites/default/files/Colorado_Marijuana_Legalization_One_Year_Status_Report.pdf
This is worthwhile reading.
Yes Noob, check it out. In reference to the CDB/THC properties of marijuana there are multiple sources of info to assit you enlighten yourself. Also, review Sanjay Gupta’s special on marijuana on CNN some months ago. However, in case it went over your head, please note I was simply speculating on the possible legal loopholes which these distinctive properties of mary jane might present in the legalization debate.
Please refer to Dr. Gupta ‘ follow up report regarding “the entourage effect”.
Bud, you are clueless. I guess you have some science to back up your CBD claim? I didn’t think so.
It is ironic that Republicans sell themselves as supporting less government interference and more public liberty, yet want to control what we can and cannot do to or own bodies. They are the biggest hypocrites of all
If it’s legalized, it will have to be well regulated, new rules to the game on drugs will have to be drawn up to protect consumers and those working in the industry. Or else we will see a situation like Mexico where drugs are pretty much allowed, and the country is divided into drug territories, drug lords are fighting for the dominance of the market. / You have to remember that ganja is a soft drug, but because it has been grouped with the harder drugs like cocaine, etc… for long time, the harder ones will want the same privelege that ganja has. And then because cocaine and her sisters are very addictive, you will have a situation where you will have a market that becomes heavily armed, protective, competitive, and dangerous./ IF YOU LEGALIZE GANJA, THE COUNTRY WILL HAVE TO HAVE SYSTEMS IN PLACE TO DEAL WITH ADDICTION!
“THE COUNTRY WILL HAVE TO HAVE SYSTEMS IN PLACE TO DEAL WITH ADDICTION!”
Yup, just like alcohol and nicotine.
Legalize, tax, and control ganja; it is the right thing to do.
Prohibition does not work; it only makes highly placed corrupt individuals very rich.
Personally I think this is all about who going to control the market when it is legalized. You can best believe that the US doesn’t want it to be Jamaica..