Changing the marijuana narrative

THE EDITOR: Can we look at what’s transpired since the passing of the decriminalisation of marijuana in TT? Bewildering indeed, how our police officers have adapted to the change; assuming the role of detection canines, intent on sniffing out which direction the scent of weed emanates.

Why can’t they instead direct their energy towards addressing the ascending murder rate? Our government insists on infiltrating propaganda against marijuana use, which must now be done 500 metres away from schools. Can this count if the school is dilapidated, not furnished, the students don’t have proper meals?

Why are the real issues not in focus? One of the greatest enigmas of all time, is the nature of priorities belonging to a TT government.

Why is no one acknowledging loopholes in the new law? Why is government only expunging marijuana matters with 100 grams or less? What happens if I’m in a car driving past a school, then, out of nowhere, there is a roadblock and I happen to have 30 grams? Do I then become a trafficker? What if I’m in a car with friends and all our weed in one bag now? What is my fate then?

In my opinion, anyone who is arrested for smoking in public should plead not guilty. The police MUST present evidence beyond a reasonable doubt. How can a police officer charge someone without any form of proof? Can’t they arrest someone for smoking publicly, when it probably was not the case?

Evidently, this law is unjust and must be redefined; a major topic being avoided, is what becomes of the people arrested or charged for marijuana possession prior to decriminalisation? After years of dehumanisation, they must still suffer the consequences for a matter proven worldwide to be beneficial to people as well as the economy at large?

Is there no consideration for these people to be alleviated of punishment that no longer applies? These people could be pioneers for the legal cannabis industry in TT; they should be brought to the forefront to share their knowledge, experience, advice as well as partake in the movement towards legalisation.

Look to the US, where 26 states have all made changes with regard to cannabis – whether it is totally legal, decriminalised or recreational, it can set an example for the type of actions that should be implemented. North America’s sales grew to $6.7 billion in 2016, and are anticipated to increase to $20.1 billion by 2021, according to Arcview Market Research. Should marijuana become legal on a federal level, the benefits to the economy could be extraordinary. Imagine what can happen for TT if we can shift the marijuana perspective.

LORENZO MENDEZ-STEWART

Via e-mail