Pubdate: Tue, 21 Aug 2012
Source: Daily Observer, The (Antigua)
Copyright: 2012 Observer Publications
Contact: http://www.antiguaobserver.com/?page_id=41738
Website: http://www.antiguaobserver.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5270

LOCAL RASTAFARIAN WEIGHS IN ON LEGITIMISING MARIJUANA USE

St. John's Antigua- A move to consider the decriminalisation of small 
amounts of marijuana in Belize has evoked reaction locally.

Rastafarian elder King Frank-I said Antigua & Barbuda's Rastafarian 
community, which has been making repeated calls for the drug to be 
decriminalised, wants authorities here to pattern the Belize model.

The government of Belize is looking into the possibility of allowing 
small amounts of marijuana possession in an effort to clear up space 
in the country's overcrowded jails.

"I have advocated this to the authorities that it is high time they 
liberalise laws on marijuana," Frank-I said.

"We feel that herb on three different areas should be seriously 
looked at; within the area of medicinal usage; within the area of its 
commercial potential and, certainly from the Rastafarian perspective, 
its sacramental usage," he added.

Frank-I believes Antigua & Barbuda's stance on the drug is at odds 
with international sentiments.

Over the past two decades, there has been a growing movement to 
legalise marijuana, primarily for medical purposes.

Activists point to research showing the drug's effectiveness in 
treating diseases such as glaucoma and multiple sclerosis, and in 
easing the side effects of chemotherapy, among other reputed beneficial uses.

Medical marijuana is allowed in 16 states and the District of 
Columbia in the US. Proponents of the drug have argued for years that 
it is safer than alcohol, both to individuals and society.

Marijuana, whose botanical name is cannabis, has been used by humans 
for thousands of years. It was first classified as an illegal drug by 
many countries in the 20th century.

Belize's concerns are focused on ended overcrowding in its prisons. 
Over the past year Latin American countries have been leading the way 
pushing for an end to the current war on drugs.

Some political leaders throughout the region have been calling for an 
open debate on legalisation, and several countries are moving forward 
with plans to decriminalise or even legalise some drugs.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom