The rights of non-ganja smokers

THE EDITOR, Sir:

WITH THE recommendation of the 'Ganja Committee' to legalise the smoking of marijuana in personal quantities by adults within the confines of their own homes, has the committee sought to recommend the constitutional and legal amendments needed to ensure that non-ganja smokers are not relieved of some of our rights?

For example, I have the right, within the confines of my residence (inside or outside) not to be assaulted by the foul odour of ganja-smoke arising from a neighbour's indulgence. Granted, I feel the same way, as I'm sure many people do, about cigarette smoke and I do what I can to minimise my exposure to it. Some people may consider ganja-smoke of trivial significance, but the attestations of some persons to the light-headed feeling they get just by being in the smoke-filled environs of ganja-smokers is proof enough to me that the narcotic effects, however minor, can be passed on to unwilling participants. I have the right not to be subjected to such exposures against my will. Will the 'Ganja Commission' make any recommendations to ensure that I keep this right?

For another example, suppose an individual who is legally allowed to smoke his ganja in 'personal quantities' commits a crime after indulging, will the laws be re-written to prevent the defence that "I was under the influence and therefore not responsible for my actions"? Will I or anyone else as an unwilling victim of crimes perpetrated against us by such persons be denied legal restitution or protection?

On the issue of religious use, I make no claim to know how best to handle that issue, however opening the flood gates is certainly not the answer. Where will this recommendation take us if passed into law? Where will the ganja-smoking segment of Jamaica be allowed to acquire the object of their vice? Will the law be amended to allow state-run ganja-retail outlets or will there be licensed individuals who can legally procure, package and sell the weed?

What of the primary producers? Will there be legal protection for them to grow and distribute their produce? What then of cocaine, heroin and other choice 'pharmaceuticals'? Where would be the logical end? What of the social problems by providing yet another legal vice for persons to spend their hard-earned money on? I have yet to hear how this recommendation of the 'Ganja Committee' will be of any benefit to Jamaica.

While I feel that the Government is not usually concerned with the views of the non-roadblocking public, especially when we disagree, my recommendation to the Government is to hold a public referendum (not a public forum) on this issue to get the views of the people.

This is too serious a matter to entrust to the few when it will likely affect every single Jamaican.

I am etc.,

C. CAMPBELL

cyborg@cwjamaica.com

P.O. Box 619, Kingston 8

Via Go-Jamaica

Back to Letters