Don't Legalise Marijuana In Jamaica!

by Rudolph V. Francis, J.P.
(Montego Bay, Jamaica)

The use of marijuana in Jamaica is wide spread. From youths trying to be in on the in crowd, to Rastas who claim they use it for religious purposes. However, it is officially an illegal substance and its use and possession is a criminal offense.

It is my view that the use of marijuana should not be legal in Jamaica.

From unofficial sources, I was advised that it has a negative mental and psychological effect on its users, and if legalized, its use can become more widespread and uncontrolled- resulting in possible mental illness to it users.

This will cause a further strain on the medical resources of our country that is already having difficulties providing suitable medical facilities for its citizens.

Legalizing marijuana will also affect our foreign relations with major players in the international community, more so the USA, one of our closest and most powerful neighbor.

The use of marijuana is illegal and if Jamaica chooses to legalize the herb it would ultimately cause a fall out which could result in economic sanctions which would definitely harm our fragile economy.