Legalise ganja? The debate continues. Use or abuse! These would be words of many when they think of the legalisation of medical marijuana.
“Medical marijuana” is the term referring to the possession and/or cultivation of marijuana for medicinal purposes.
Proponents of medical marijuana say they are many benefits to be derived from the plant. They argue that it can be a safe and effective treatment for the symptoms of a wide range of diseases such as cancer, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, pain, glaucoma and epilepsy. They believe that marijuana is also a powerful appetite stimulant; specifically for patients suffering from HIV, and that its medicinal properties may protect the body against some types of malignant tumours.
Notwithstanding, proponents put forward a case for the economic benefits for a country. It is believed that governments can generate considerable amount of revenue from imposed taxes from this drug.
Conversely, opponents have been highlighting all the negative consequences associated with this drug. They opine that marijuana is addictive and has the potential to lead to the use of harder drugs. In addition, they argue that it interferes with fertility, impairs driving ability, and causes significant damage to the lungs, immune system and brain.
The worry for most parents would be if this drug is so readily available, would their children be tempted to use it? Like alcohol, there should be some control on the use and distribution of marijuana. Should it become legal, stiff penalties should be put in place for persons caught abusing it. For example, punishable circumstances may include: cultivation of the drugs outside of the requirements, sale of the drug other than for medicinal purposes, sale of the drug to minors and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.
The reality is that children are and will be exposed to all manner of threats to their well-being, personal safety and otherwise and marijuana is no exception. Parents need to be cognisant that marijuana is not only smoked but is being used in cakes, chocolates and cookies.
You must ensure that you are well informed and educated about the facts concerning drugs such as marijuana. Know the different forms and street names of this drug. Armed with this information, parents will not be left out in the dark when their children are having “drug conversations” with their friends. Being equipped with this knowledge will now place you in a comfortable position to have frank, open discussions with your child and impress upon him/her the importance of saying no to drugs.
Do not be mistaken, the Open Haversack is not advocating or promoting the legalisation or use of marijuana. As is done for alcohol and tobacco, all hands must be on deck in educating our children. Parents, schools, governments and the media must provide the relevant education about the health effects and dangers of smoking or using marijuana. Education is the best vehicle to control the demand.
• Rhonda Blackman is an educator, a reviewer with the British Research Educational Journal and a member of the American Education Research Association. Email: theopenhaversack@gmail.com