FORMER GRENADA LEGISLATOR EXAMINING THE DECRIMINALIZATION OF MARIJUANA

By Caribbean Medical News Staff

Like many in her neighbouring Caribbean islands, former legislator Glynnis Roberts, who a year ago formed her own political party, is starting a series of conversations with the public. Among those discussions include the decriminalization of marijuana.

“We are not going with a mind-set calling for the legalisation or to keep it criminalised; we really want to hear the arguments; we want people to get a better understanding so that when a decision is made one way or the other people are well informed,” she said.

In recent times, Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines Dr Ralph Gonsalves has called for a regional discussion on the decriminalisation of marijuana. Former opponent of the decriminalization of marijuana and well-known CNN medical journalist Dr. Sanjay Gupta, recently made an about turn on his views and is supporting the decriminalization of marijuana as well.

Glynnis Roberts represented the constituency of St George South in the Parliament from 2003 to 2013. Having now formed National United Front she said these discussions are targeted at audiences who are ready to face the realities of life and enter into discourse about the pros and cons of decriminalization.

The discussion will take place in Tivoli and include lawyer Anselm Clouden, Head of the Drug Squad at the Royal Grenada Police Force, James Rodriquez; Dave Alexander of the Drug Avoidance Secretariat; and well known trade unionist Bert Patterson who will be speaking in his private capacity. A representative is also expected from the Conference of Churches. The discussions take place on December 1st.

Cannabis used medically has several well-documented beneficial effects.  Among these are lowered intraocular eye pressure, as well as general analgesic effects

Roberts said that among the topics for future discussion is legalisation of casino gambling as well as the use of sports as a tool for development and economic growth.

To date, Caribbean law prohibits the cultivation and sale, trafficking and possession of cannabis but there are many regions (more so internationally, including some US and European states) where the use of medicinal marijuana or cannabis is allowed by the State.

The Hon. Dr Ralph Gonzalves has said, in a recent interview with the Caribbean Media Corporation that the decriminalization of cannabis is a reality the Caribbean must face at this time with a mature, frank and open-minded discussion.

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