WITHIN RECENT WEEKS there has been an intensification of efforts by law enforcement officials to stem the flow of illegal drugs onto this island’s streets.
The various sections of the Royal Barbados Police Force dedicated to this effort along with support from Customs and the Regional Security System have all been playing their part in seeking to curb the trade in illicit drugs. All law abiding residents will undoubtedly support their efforts since no one wants to see the destruction or corruption of our people.
However, we will need to tap into much more than the law enforcement effort if we are going to get on top of this illegal trade, particularly the use of marijuana.
Judging from observation, whether by walking along any of our popular beaches or attending some of the popular music festivals, the use of this drug appears to be widespread, particularly among the youth.
Marijuana, also called weed, ganja or pot, is a drug that has been used for a very long time and recent studies undertaken in North America have confirmed what social scientists have been saying for years – that the theory that marijuana is a “gateway drug” that leads to hard drug use simply doesn’t hold up scientifically.
These more recent studies have indicated that, other substances popularly used – and legally – like alcohol or cigarettes are clearer indicators than marijuana usage of eventual abuse of hard drugs, such as heroin or cocaine.
We cannot ignore the research undertaken by reputable universities and agencies and it is therefore imperative that agencies such as the National Council on Substance Abuse, our psychiatrists and medical researchers along with various agencies involved in law enforcement come together to give clear guidance on how best we respond to marijuana.
We understand that there is some linkage between chronic usage of cannabis and behaviour, mood changes and low motivation. For those already afflicted with mental illness such as psychosis, persistent use of pot may aggravate their situation.
This outlook is made worse by the potential for adulteration of black-market cannabis and the substitution of even more dangerous copycat compounds. Clearly, a cause of concern.
Given the prohibition of marijuana, an illegal business enterprise has developed, buttressed by illegal guns, money laundering and tax evasion. We spend large sums going after the dealers and the users, clogging up the court system and overcrowding our prisons.
We need to honestly examine whether the laws relating to marijuana have changed its use in Barbados. We can no longer go on outdated principles, but rather be guided only by rational approaches to marijuana and its usage.
