The ganja report

THE EDITOR, Sir:

In his critical appraisal in the Sunday Gleaner Sept. 16. of the ganja report Stephen Vasciannie sees as one of the major problems that Jamaica is a signatory to three treaties concerning illicit drugs, one in 1971, one in 1972 and one in 1988. The main reason given for ganja being made a prohibited drug in 1937 was that it was a dangerous substance of no medical value.

On various topics public opinion changes sometimes in a dramatic manner from time to time. At the time of America's 1928 election alcohol prohibition enjoyed solid support. Four years later the mood had swung to one of overwhelming rejection. As late as last year when the Runciman report in Britain recommended a relaxation of the laws on marijuana the Labour Government quickly condemned it. It hastily changed its tune when most newspapers praised the report.

There has been a marked change in recent times in public attitude towards drugs in general and ganja in particular , mainly because of new knowledge and changing times. Yet here in 2001 over 60 years since ganja was declared a prohibitive substance with the severest of penalties we are still being subjected to views and opinions laid down in 1937 and the outcome of UN conventions of 1971, 1972 and 1988.

Looking at the number of countries that have come out openly in very recent days in support of the decriminalisation of ganja and even some like Spain, of all the present illicit drugs I think the Prime Minister's duty is clear. Press hard for a new UN convention on narcotic substances. In this he will have overwhelming support.

I firmly believe also that the USA will go for a new convention as it will give her a way out of her present very expensive and isolated position. It should not be forgotten that one of the reasons the prohibition of alcohol was repealed was that it was getting too expensive to maintain the law and it was earning no revenue. So I think all things considered Jamaica should go further than the alliances with the European Community suggested by the Commission and press for a new UN convention.

I am etc.,

RONALD G. LAMPART

rlampart@cwjamaica.com

14 Miramar Drive

Morant Bay

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