Pubdate: Thu, 16 Aug 2001
Source: Jamaica Observer (Jamaica)
Copyright: 2001 The Jamaica Observer Ltd,
Contact:  http://www.jamaicaobserver.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1127

DECRIMINALISE IT, SAYS GANJA COMMISSION

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.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens