Rethinking Marijuana

Marijuana (cannabis) is said to be a mind-altering drug and the consequences of its usage has been debated ad nauseam in Guyana. This publication has covered several reports of persons being caught with marijuana, either cultivating, in possession of or seeking to traffic. Marijuana in Guyana is an illegal drug, subjugation to charges and imprisonment for those caught. There have been repeated calls and lobbying by some, but more particularly members of the Rastafarian community to decriminalise small usage of this herb.

It is time to rethink marijuana not only for removal of imprisonment, having been caught with 30 grammes or less, but more through scientific and economic perspectives. Acknowledgement of the need to examine these perspectives does not ignore the religious value the Rastafarian community places on the herb. Such is intended to elevate conversations on issues based on evidence which would hopefully guide decision making. Should the Government and Opposition rely more on this approach they may well find common source(s) for shaping their views.

In 2014 the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) established a Regional Commission on Marijuana and compiled a Report. That report submitted in 2018 came after widest consultation among member-state countries, including Guyana. Consultants on the commission came from a wide cross section of disciplines, including law, medical and social research, medicine, criminology, psychiatry, education. Together they evaluated the social, economic, health and legal issues surrounding use. They recommended the decriminalisation of the herb and its usage and sale in a controlled environment akin to alcohol.

It is worthy of noting that alcohol was once criminalised- the prohibition law-but through demands and review the use of the substance is now legal. Though legal usage is not without restriction such as age limit and driving under the influence. Alcohol, like cigarettes and some pharmaceutical drugs, has deleterious side effects on one’s health, including mental. The same has been said for marijuana. But as Guyana remains in the mode of crimialising marijuana other countries in the Caribbean and world have moved ahead.

In a September 2020 article, Globalnewswire.com reported that “global cannabis sales for 2020 will reach $19.7 billion, an increase of 38% over 2019,” with sales expected to reach “$47.2 billion by 2025.” Could Guyana tap into this market share as we have with rum sales? According to marketdataforecast.com “The Global Rum Market size was worth USD 15 billion in 2020.”

Production of marijuana on a commercial scale earns producing nations or states (as in the United States) revenue and opportunities for employment. For instance, some states in the U.S have legalised marijuana not only for its health benefit such as appetite and pain management for those serious or terminally ill but also recreational usage. The dosage and use are usually prescribed by a licenced medical practitioner.

The National Geographic, in a 2005 Victoria Gillman’s story, examined the marijuana debate as a healing herb or dangerous drug. The writer noted the study done by a principal investigator and professor of internal medicine, Dr. John A. Benson for the U.S Institute of Medication. That study found, “There is scientific evidence that [marijuana] helps with pain relief and nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy, for example, in terminal cancer patients.” There has also been value added to marijuana as in the production of wine, candy and beauty products, among other commodities.

The U.S Centres for Disease Control and Prevention on its webpage has cited the health effects of marijuana usage. It should be said too, though some states have legalised the cultivation, use and sale of the herb it is still considered illegal at a federal level.

Where does Guyana want to find itself would determine the quality of conversation the society, most notably the politicians, wants to have. This publication is not making an argument for or against its cultivation and or usage but is arguing a rethinking in Guyana given global reality. When objectivity informs the conversation, hope resides that any decision-making on cultivation, use, entering the global market, etc is likely to be comprehensive and all-encompassing.