With legalised ganja, police can hunt 'real' criminals

THE LEGALISATION of marijuana will free the police to focus on real criminals, says Clyde Noel of All Mansions of Rastafari.

He was speaking on Thursday night at a symposium on the legislation of marijuana hosted by All Mansions of Rastafari at Communication Workers Union headquarters, Port of Spain.

He said this was a critical juncture where Rastafarians could eradicate the judgement placed on them for a simple plant which God had given for man.

"We cannot see so many people suffering for medication, for relaxation and the cure for so many illnesses."

He said they were fighting for equal rights and justice for the "herb." He described the attendance at the meeting as small in number but said their message would would send ripples like thunder, earthquakes and lightning.

Noel said those in authority seemed to be opening their eyes, but if the situation is taken lightly they would fall asleep again. He was likely referring to comments by the Prime Minister at a recent People's National Movement public meeting that the issue of marijuana legislation would be looked at next year – a changet from his position in July that decriminalisation of marijuana was not a priority for Government at present.

Noel said people should spread the message of marijuana on the highways and byways and did not have to be scared any more that the plant would destroy liberty and lives. He said legalisation would reduce the number of people locked up for marijuana possession.

"This will reduce crime. They will have time to look for more (murderers), for more thieves, for more children abusers, for more women abusers. They are going to free up the system to give police chance to do real work. Is time they start to work for their pay. It is time they start to find real criminals."

He said it was time "brothers and sisters" incarcerated for this simple plant are freed from prison.

Also speaking at the meeting was local reggae artiste Marlon Asher, known for his 2006 hit Ganja Farmer. Asher said he has recently been involved with medical marijuana and has seen the benefits for conditions such as epilepsy, cancer and diabetes. He claimed marijuana could heal any disease.

"I have seen people cured by marijuana."

Asher said many people smoked marijuana but were not aware of all the industries can come out of it.

"We are ready for legalisation," he declared.