There are still lingering comments in the public on the debate which was held on June 22 as to whether or not marijuana should be legalised in Anguilla – specifically for medicinal purposes.
The well-attended event, in the Anguilla House of Assembly Chambers, was part of a week of activities held by the Anguilla Bar Association in observance of its Fourth Annual Law Week. The title of the debate was “Doctor’s Orders – Legalise Weed”.
The discussion was led by Dr. Vonetta George, Surgeon at the Princess Alexandra Hospital. The other panellists were retired High Court Judge, Mr. Don Mitchell, CBE, QC (Chairman), Rev. Dr. Wycherley Gumbs, Chairman of the Anguilla Christian Council, Mr. David Niles (I Spy) who represented the Rastafarian community, and Mr. Clemvio Hodge, who represented the young people in Anguilla specifically the members of the National Youth Parliament.
A main point of the debate was that 
persons found with a small amount of marijuana for personal or pleasurable use should not be prosecuted for committing an unlawful or criminal offence. Another point was that there is now a move, in the Caribbean, for CARICOM Governments to begin considering whether, in fact, marijuana should be legalised for medicinal purposes.
Although a number of persons were of the view that there was merit in both points, it was generally agreed that there was a need for further discussion towards arriving at a definite conclusion, and for recommendations to be made to the Anguilla Government. It was also collectively felt that, while there was a need to fine tune certain perceptions, it was a matter of importance that a conversation had now begun on whether or not marijuana should be legalised 
in Anguilla given the reasons stated above.
