By Donald A. De Riggs
Nearly six months have passed since doctors were consulted after the December 2018 passage of the Medical Marijuana Bill, and NOT one prescription has been issued. The rate at which things are proceeding is not in keeping with a progressive government, and during all this time, opportunities are being wasted.
This could have been out first season where (and it is not too late) all passengers on cruise lines visiting St. Vincent and the Grenadines could have been informed that medical marijuana is available by prescription giving our pharmacies and medical clinics a virtual high in sales, and why not — we produce and are capable of producing the best.
The benefits could have even been better if recreational ganja was legalised, then our coffee, cocoa and coconut shops would have been filled with patrons all leaving SVG with a big smile on their face and looking forward to another opportunity coming to SVG, maybe as stay-over visitors.
Taxis, tour operators — sea and land, medical clinics and pharmacies, in short, all services directly or indirectly related to the tourism industry would have had a bumper season with profits to allow them to upgrade their service for the next season.
Let me reiterate here that when legal, there is a responsibility by the users as well as the vendors. School children should not be sold weed and no “burning” in public spaces like banks, utility companies, in buses, government offices and schools. There MUST be stiff fines for offenders, including community service that must be enforced, but not jail time.
And finally, it is a sin not to legalise the herb for recreational and spiritual use. One of my posters on the day of the peaceful protest when the medical marijuana Bill was passed read: “Half the way benefits only half the people, but ALL the way benefits All the people”. Protoje once sang “… a word unto the wise is enough”.
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I agree with this writer 100% . We would be much better economically if we make cannabis legal for all the reasons he stated and more .
As the politicians scramble to see who could get the most out of Cannabis plantations here, no thought is being given to the eventual proliferation of Cannabis use in the nation and the harmful effect that it would eventually have on some Vincentians who would end up smoking it or the explosion in criminal activities that it will bring with it.
Here Dr. Kwame McKenzie discusses the risks involved with cannabis and psychosis. Can Vincentians afford to take such a risk? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFNKCHzF9I4
But who cares, providing some politicians or their family members are raking in the loot on the back of Cannabis plantations. Who cares if some Vincentians ends up crazy? It is submitted that this whole hype about Medical Cannabis, is just a cover for creating large scale cannabis growing in SVG.
In Canada there is a warning there that there is a significant increase in cannabis-induced psychosis, a mental health charity now warns, but again provided the dollars flows in no one cares about the health of those suffering from cannabis-induced psychosis. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icGZxDFddBk
Some here in SVG may question the science involved but the Science of Addiction & Mental Health tells us that there is a proven link between Cannabis use & Psychosis.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPHa3fKaXWg
Here Dr. Kwame McKenzie discusses different risk factors associated with psychosis.