BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE decriminalisation of marijuana has been a major topic of discussion at the recent CARICOM Heads of Government meeting held in St. Vincent and Grenadines, but what do people in the streets say about this matter?
Cannabis, also known as marijuana and numerous other names, is a preparation of the cannabis plant intended for use as a psychoactive drug and as medicine
Our investigation took us through the streets of downtown Basseterre, where a number of persons were asked what effects this decision could have on regional nations and if they would support it.
Question: If marijuana were decriminalised in St. Kitts and Nevis, do you think that it would have an adverse impact on the Federation or would it be beneficial?
Entrepreneur: “Marijuana? I think it is going to have a bad effect on our country. It will give everybody the right to smoke it and it’s going to set a bad example to our youths who for some already doing it.”
Tour Guide: “I think it’s a two way street when it comes to that topic, because now that they will decriminalise it a lot of sick people who use it as medicine will have an easier chance of getting it. But the bad part about it is that our youths will be more exposed to it and we in St. Kitts always ready to follow trends.”
Doctor: “As a medical practitioner I welcome the idea because a lot of patients will get help, but my only concern is how people interpret what will happen if this law is passed here. Many people will get carried away and, to be honest, we are going to see a city of smoke.”
Teacher: “I teach a number of students who smoke marijuana and, to be honest, when I heard that they were in talks about making it a non-criminal offence I jumped out of my chair and started to pray. They are going to make a big mistake by doing this and I hope they ready for the defects.”
Salesman: “I smoked marijuana when I was younger going to school and after my health took a turn for worst I decided to stop and change my lifestyle. I tell many young men and women to desist from this life-threatening act.
“If they lift laws against marijuana, what do you think will happen to our youths? In my point of view, it is going to encourage a lifestyle which they will soon regret.”
Bartender: “They had a reason why they placed a criminal penalty on this thing years ago, and I think if they decriminalise it we are going to end up back at square one. The next thing I think will also happen is that all those people who got jail sentences for possession of marijuana might be released…That is another scenario.”
If you agree or disagree with the above views, leave a comment below and tell us at SKNVibes what you think about the decriminalisation of marijuana in St. Kitts and Nevis.
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