The AG has referred to marijuana use as ‘dangerous’. Amsterdam, the jokingly called marijuana capital of the world, allows possession of less than 5 grams of cannabis without prosecution. Anguilla, under proposed new cannabis decriminalization laws, will allow 10 grams.
Who determined that for our Anguilla this is a tolerable amount? It is doubled that of this European city! Was it the Ministry of Health, Police officers, the people, foreign advisers or lawmakers? For decades the Dutch have felt this was enough or too much so why are we being hit twice as hard?
Scientifically speaking, I have never heard of any medical evidence or study that shows Anguillian/Caribbean islanders require twice as much ganja to get high as compared to our European brothers and sisters. If ganja highs can also carry some dangerous side effects then, logically, we should minimize or negate the amount any person can use.
The amount of weed used and its strength are important factors in determining its effects and hazards. Has any scientific survey of the THC cannabis strengths in Anguilla, or the frequency, amounts or effects of its use been done?
Ganja can impair memory. Should we lose twice as much brain power? It can cause stroke. Why would we risk getting twice as many? Ganja can enter breast milk. Can our babies cope with double the amount?
According to my web searches a joint in Amsterdam’s coffee shops can cost 2.50 to 7 Euros, while I understand in Anguilla a joint can cost 5-10 USD. Spliffs purchased can turn ‘money to smoke’. Our youth could lose twice as much.
The current Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, has called marijuana ‘garbage’. The Mayor of Amsterdam implemented laws that reduced the number of coffee shops selling Ganja. Citizens of this city saw these new laws distance these shops at least 250 meters away from schools. Has Anguilla sat down and decided if and how far away from our schools can spliffs be smoked?
Anguilla is not Amsterdam. In that city a homosexual man can marry another homosexual man. Not on this island rock. In that city, women in the red light district have been reported to be displayed in windows like carcasses for sex tourists. Not in our Anguilla.
Amsterdam has hospital labs that can test patients for Ganja. Anguilla does not. Amsterdam has rehabilitation centers for marijuana addicts. Anguilla does not. Amsterdam has modern pediatric wards. Babies born to ganja-smoking pregnant mothers need medical attention. The Princess Alexandra Hospital pediatric ward has been closed since Hurricane Irma.
Medical marijuana can be used to treat persons with cancer, HIV/AIDS, glaucoma and epilepsy. Legislation should have been drafted in Anguilla to regulate supervised and limited access for our sick citizens. Decriminalizing 10 grams or less, especially for youth, should not have the same priority. Being sick deserves more urgency than being stoned.
In Amsterdam politicians and law enforcers are seeing Ganja coffee shops in a different light. One or two persons in Anguilla might think the grass (weed) is greener on the other side (of the Atlantic). Beware!
Smoking ganja can cause psychosis, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, learning problems, stroke, heart disease, cough, and bronchitis. Anguillians, please do not let 10 grams of ganja trickle health problems into any of our lives. We have one life to live.
Remember, 1 from 10 is 0! (Quote from Eric Williams, former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago.)
This AG is on his way out of office and perhaps Anguilla. We will be left to suffer the consequences of decriminalization. This island should work carefully with the incoming AG on a reasonable and responsible way forward for our youth.
