The ganja question

THE NATIONAL Commission on Ganja has predictably sparked controversy particularly on the recommendation to decriminalise use of the drug for private personal use.

Already some church leaders have condemned this proposal even though this concession embraces the use as sacrament in religious practice ­ obviously because Rastafarians are the only segment of the religious community which traditionally embraces the drug.

A salient point of criticism in the ensuing debate is that the Commission recommends limited decriminalisation even while advocating intensified action against illegal trafficking. The pertinent question arising is how can private personal use be facilitated without breaking the law.

Perhaps the most useful part of the Commission's work was in canvassing the pharmacology of the drug and the effects on health. Yesterday's "Profile in Medicine" feature recalls the achievements of local scientists in creating treatment for glaucoma and cures for other ailments. But the consensus of medical experts is that while ganja has medicinal properties that can be exploited, recreational smoking can be harmful to human health.

The Medical Association of Jamaica however supports decriminalisation accompanied by an education drive on the health risks involved. This is what now happens with cigarette smoking which is not illegal.

What may become even more contentious is the ominous reaction of the Americans to the recommendation of the Commission. This aspect of the matter will surely invoke issues of sovereignty when the Parliament comes to address the ganja question.

The opinions on this page, except for the above, do not necessarily reflect the views of The Gleaner.

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