Pubdate: Fri, 15 Sep 2000 Source: Jamaica Observer (Jamaica) Copyright: 2000 The Jamaica Observer Ltd, Contact: 2 Fagan Avenue, Kingston 8, Jamaica, W.I. Fax: 876-931-5190 Website: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com PM ANNOUNCES NATIONAL COMMISSION ON GANJA Prime Minister P J Patterson yesterday announced government's decision to establish a broad-based national commission to review the use of ganja in Jamaica, with a specific focus on whether the weed should be decriminalised for use in defined circumstances and specific conditions. A Jamaica House statement said the commission was being established "in response to long and considerable debate regarding the use of ganja in Jamaica." The chairperson and members of the commission would be announced next wee, the statement said. "A variety of views have been expressed on the advisability of allowing the possession of specified quantities of ganja, by adults within private premises. There have also been proposals for the substance to be sanctioned for use as a sacrament for religious purposes," it continued. Concerns of the use of ganja on health and patterns of social behavior and implications for the economy and possible effects on crime and security, would also be in the ambit of the commission's deliberations. Patterson said the commission would also consider various international treaties to which Jamaica subscribes, and how any changes could affext existing legislations. Patterson said the commission would be expected to engage in dialogue with relevant interest groups and undertake wide public consultations in order to guide a national approach. It will also review any documentary evidence on the specific opinions about its medicinal qualities. Is addition, it would be expected to recommend legislative changes as well as diplomatic initiatives and security considerations, which should be implemented. It would also make recommendations for programmes of public information ariing from its recommendations. The commission is expected to finalise its report within a maximum period of nine months. "In the meantime, until the final report is received and acted upon, all existing laws on the use of ganja will remain in place and will be enforced," Patterson said in a statement. "Countries, all over the world, are forced to give consideration to the complex but delicate issues of social, economic, cultural and security policies which relate to the issue of ganja. Jamaica can be no exception." - --- MAP posted-by: Don Beck