BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE mystery and myths behind marijuana were dispelled for the dozens who attended last night’s (Apr. 23) “Men and Marijuana” panel discussion at the St. Johnston Community Centre.
The illuminating discussion featured presentations on a number of issues related to the drug, including law enforcement, mental and physical health, and religion. The panellists were Chief Medical Officer Dr. Patrick Martin, Psychiatrist Dr. Sharon Halliday, Superintendent Robert Liburd, Magistrate Josephine Mallalieu-Webbe and Ras Marcello Agard from the Rastafarian community.
Martin opened the proceedings by sharing some startling details about marijuana use to the audience. He disclosed that a survey conducted in 2004 indicated that 14 percent of high school students had experimented with the drug, while the average age of initiation was 12 years old. He stressed that the misuse of marijuana was an issue of public health, not criminal justice, and that interventions of the latter sort would not do anything to help abusers.
Halliday furthered the discourse by revealing the effects of marijuana use. She admitted that while there are some benefits to be derived, negative side effects such as an increased risk of lung cancer and possible addiction make consistent use of the drug dangerous.
Liburd then enlightened the crowd about police action against abusers, stating they had intensified efforts to apprehend and prosecute offenders. According to the Superintendent, 116 cases of marijuana-related offences were recorded in 2008, which accounted for the majority of drug cases.
Rounding out the night’s presenters were Mallalieu-Webbe and Agard, who spoke about the legality of marijuana and its religious interpretation, respectively.
At one point in the discussion, the controversial issue of decriminalising marijuana was raised. Though Martin declined to choose sides, he noted the move would not be an outrageous step.
“Decriminalisation will not lead to every child smoking, just as distributing condoms does not lead to every child having sex. There is no evidence to that effect. Once children are educated early and have a strong support system, they will not be tempted to abuse the drug,” he said.
Halliday informed that the issue of what age to begin decriminalisation would have to be taken under serious consideration.
“When do you decriminalise it? At 25 when you’re cognitively developed or at 18 when you’re finished with school? Or is it 16 at the age of legal consent?” she asked.
Speaking exclusively to SKNVibes, Martin said he thought the debate had been a “good exploration” of the many issues associated with marijuana use.
“The discussion went well; a lot of ideas and information were put squarely on the table. I think now the discourse can move from being purely passionate to being more objective and reasoned.”
