Re ganja: demand reduction, public education needed

THE EDITOR, Sir:

The Gleaner must be complimented for putting the ganja debate on the public agenda. Already, a number of articles have appeared discussing the pros and cons of the use of the substance. This will go a very far way in assisting the public to make an informed opinion as to whether the recommendation of the National Commission on Ganja should be accepted.

Contrary to the opinion of many, the commission's recommendations should not be accepted as an endorsement of the use of ganja, as it must be consistently emphasised that the indiscriminate use of the substance is adverse to the practice of good health.

Despite its proven folk medicinal benefits, ganja is not entirely safe, as its use can be injurious to one's health. For example, it is generally accepted that inhalation can affect the lung tissue and that chronic users can experience short-term memory loss. It can affect judgement of distance and time for drivers of motor vehicles as reaction time is lengthened. It can have serious implication for the learning process especially among children. The problem of ganja-induced psychosis has also been well documented. So contrary to popular beliefs, there are ill effects associated with the use of the substance.

Nevertheless, it is now generally accepted that ganja should not be classified as a 'hard drug'. It is not an addictive substance. Users do not experience any harmful withdrawal symptoms as in the case of alcohol and even tobacco. Secondly, it cannot be described as 'a gateway drug' as its use does not necessarily lead to the use of more potent drugs. There are thousands of Jamaicans who have been using ganja for many years without moving on to 'harder drugs'.

There is also abundant evidence that persons who use ganja in moderation suffer no long-term deleterious effects. Substances such as alcohol and tobacco which are legally available have far more lasting psychological and physical complications on users.

The system of prosecuting users of small quantities within the confines of their homes seems not only unjust, but causes tremendous disrespect for the legal system. The method of inflicting punishment does not serve as the intended deterrent to users. I have spoken to young men who have been convicted for simple possession, in one instance for as many as 10 times, and yet these persons continue to use the substance. The fact is, that the private use of ganja among all strata of the society is deeply culturally ingrained.

In addition, administering the present law as it applies to simple possession, not only puts a great strain on the relationship between the police and the communities in which they work, but ties up the police force which could use their time to much greater advantage in the pursuit of major narco traffickers.

Decriminalisation will not lead to increase in use. It is estimated that some 37 per cent of our Jamaican males are already users, and the substance is as easily available as fresh air. It also will not lead to a breakdown in public order as its use in public places will continue to be banned and will be prosecuted.

Decriminalisation has been the trend in many of the developed countries of the world. Portugal has made the use of all drugs legal.

Increasingly, the view is being held that the use of ganja for private purposes should be regarded as a public health concern rather than a criminal issue. Here one must note the recent establishment of the Drug Court here in Jamaica, which is empowered to give persons convicted of simple possession, the option of treatment rather than incarceration. It certainly is a move in the right direction but we need to go much further and use our limited human and material resources where the best returns can be assured.

What is needed is the development of sustained and appropriate strategies which will lead to demand reduction especially among our vulnerable young men. This can be accomplished through a consistent process of public education, instead of using the heavy and sometimes destructive hand of the law.

I am, etc.,

WEBSTER EDWARDS

Member

The National Commission on Ganja

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