Dear Editor,
On Tuesday, May 17 last the Freedom Fighters held a meeting with the Members of the Justice Committee of Parliament to discuss the legalisation of cannabis on St. Maarten.
Arguments were presented by the Foundation representatives in favour of legalisation. Very important to notice here is that the discussion specifically centred on the use of cannabis for medical purposes. Also, as is stated in the article, the group advocates strict control of health quality standards of the products sold, with no distribution to minors, with specifically identified/registered distribution centres.
MP Doctor Lloyd Richardson has a valid concern for the mental health aspect of the use of cannabis. A quick search on Google provides ample findings to validate the MP’s concern. However, the Foundation representatives have pointed out that there is growing media coverage, from CNN to the American Medical Association, of the proven medical benefits of cannabis, as well as the many other uses of the plant.
The number of countries making reforms in their drug policies in relation to cannabis is growing. An article of The Daily Herald, published on Saturday, May 21, mentioned that Barbadians are more open to decriminalisation of marijuana.
Legalisation of cannabis can forever be discussed and there will always be rebuttals on both sides of the table. At the end of the day, however, we must look at the pros and cons and make a decision based on what is best for St. Maarten. After all, we live in a democracy and as such, must not give way to hypocrisy, self-interest or what is politically correct.
During the 1920’s health and moral concerns (social ills) were cited as reasons for imposing of a ban (Prohibition) on sale of alcohol in the United States of America.
Prohibition in the United States – Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia states “Criticism remains that Prohibition led to unintended consequences such as the growth of urban crime organisations. As an experiment it lost supporters every year, and lost tax revenue that Governments needed when the Great Depression began in 1929.”
The Netherlands and 23 states in the USA have for numerous years permitted the sale of limited amounts of cannabis and globally there are 37 countries that have decriminalised personal possession of cannabis. Governments of all these countries and states benefit from much needed tax revenues.
My suggestion is to look at the pros and cons of the legalisation of cannabis with an open and unbiased mind. It must at all time remain fair and beneficial to all concerned.
If found that the pros outweigh the cons, then our Government must seriously consider the sale of cannabis under specific conditions, as opposed to new or increased taxation as a source of revenue.
The production and sale of cannabis must, however, stay in the hands of our (potential) local farmers and unemployed. In order to avoid favouritism, a lotto system can be used where the names which are drawn will receive the required permits and or licenses. Also, announcements must be placed in the sales/distribution centres stating the following: For anyone who has a genetic vulnerability or existing mental health issues, marijuana should be avoided.
Louis R. Engel
