The topic of "marijuana legalization" continues to gain traction throughout the Caribbean and Latin America with many countries moving towards legalizing the plant. Marijuana holds a very unique place in the hearts of the Rastafarian movement throughout the world and its no different in the Caribbean. In many Rastafarian communities marijuana is an integral part of their culture and their spiritual practice. In fact, among the many marijuana strains in the world, Jamaica is home to some of the best grades and one of the largest Rastafarian community. Marijuana has many well documented medicinal purposes ranging from glaucoma, asthma, cancer, inflammation, seizures, etc. It is on this basis that many States within the United States of America started reviewing and adjusting its stance on the matter. This has led to several states decriminalizing/ legalizing the plant for medicinal and recreational use. Following the lead from these States several Caribbean islands and Latin American countries initiated the debate of decriminalizing and legalizing, with many of these islands/country trying to cash in on the potential financial benefits that it bring.
Photo credit: https://herb.co/2016/01/26/20-bag-weed-looks-like-jamaica/
The debate in Belize has taken an interesting trail with the Attorney General of the country attacking the Churches who opposed the decriminalization of marijuana in the country. Michael Peyrefitte the Attorney General in his deliberation said "You are a pastor, be a pastor. You want to be a law maker, then you come and you be a law maker. You offer yourself to the people". Mr Peyrefitte continued saying, given the history of the Church with regard to the many atrocities committed in the country it has no moral authority to comment on the matter. This tone cause several within the leadership of the varying Churches to demand an apology and immediately withdraw the law but the Attorney General challenged the church leaders to run for political office and then repeal the law. Belize is one of the countries where some religious leaders are plagued with accusation of sexual abuse of children among other things and this move was seen by many as the Attorney General taking a shot at these leaders whose views are well respected and followed in the country.
This is only one of several debates going on throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. While I see the debate of decriminalization/ legalization of marijuana as a positive trend with many islands moving towards embracing the plant because as the financial benefit it may bring, I still ponder whether any of the islands have the necessary institution and structure to deal with the potential problems that marijuana may bring. It would certainly sounds exciting to offer that as part of the Tourism package. Many see it as an untapped Medical Tourism market which could easily create a billion dollar market as several marijuana base glaucoma drugs stemming from Jamaica has done extremely well on the international market.
For me, I would certainly welcome the exploration of medicinal use and research throughout the Caribbean as many of the islands offer their own unique strain of marijuana, envious among marijuana strain hunters. However, I would recommend education 'first' before giving the thumb up for recreational use as many of these islands lack the necessary institution/ structure or financial support that is needed to deal with any potential dangers that it may bring.
Please share your thoughts and ideas as we try to tackle this interesting matter
If you enjoyed this post, remember to Upvote and Resteem
Sources
https://www.breakingbelizenews.com/2017/11/04/attorney-general-churches-step-shut-up/
https://www.breakingbelizenews.com/2017/08/18/national-evangelical-association-belize-disagrees-gob-intent-steps-decriminalizing-marijuana/
http://www.caribbean360.com/news/now-officially-legal-use-marijuana-belize-restrictions