'Ganja' Commission Wants Drug Legalized KINGSTON, Jamaica -- Marijuana is as much a part of Jamaica's culture as reggae and Blue Mountain coffee, and a national group wants it to become just as legitimate. The aptly named National Commission for Ganja -- the Hindi word for marijuana -- recommended last week that the government legalize the private use and possession of small amounts of marijuana. Between 20 percent and 40 percent of the country's 2.6 million people are believed to smoke marijuana, many openly. [continues 525 words]
'Ganja' Commission Wants Drug Legalized KINGSTON, Jamaica -- Marijuana is as much a part of Jamaica's culture as reggae and Blue Mountain coffee, and a national group wants it to become just as legitimate. The aptly named National Commission for Ganja -- the Hindi word for marijuana -- recommended last week that the government legalize the private use and possession of small amounts of marijuana. Between 20 percent and 40 percent of the country's 2.6 million people are believed to smoke marijuana, many openly. [continues 526 words]
Ships, Planes To Go Along Coast, In Air In a decision quickly welcomed by U.S. officials, Haiti has agreed to allow U.S. ships and planes to enter its unguarded coastline and airspace to intercept Colombian vessels preparing to unload cocaine destined for South Florida. The move is supported by president-elect Jean-Bertrand Aristide, who pledged to put into effect an agreement that was signed by the United States and Haiti three years ago but not ratified by Haiti's parliament until last month. [continues 699 words]
In a decision quickly welcomed by U.S. officials, Haiti has agreed to allow U.S. ships and planes to enter its unguarded coastline and airspace to intercept Colombian vessels preparing to unload cocaine destined for South Florida. The move is supported by president-elect Jean-Bertrand Aristide, who pledged to put into effect an agreement that was signed by the United States and Haiti three years ago but not ratified by Haiti's parliament until last month. [continues 695 words]
Society Blames Cocaine Trade For Its Downfall PORT-AU-PRINCE -- Bernard Louisdhon sits on a dirty mattress that takes up half the airless room. He rubs his eyes and looks at the light that filters through the open door. Louisdhon is waking up from the morning's crack binge. He's a thief who feeds a growing appetite for the drug with stolen goods. Recently, he fell from a third-story balcony with a stolen laptop in his hands, and casually shows the bruises on his side. For the theft, he spent a month locked up. [continues 1073 words]
