The decriminalization and legalization of marijuana was the focus of a panel discussion put on by the Nevis’ Reformation Party at the Red Cross Building in Nevis Wednesday night.
The panelists who included Dr Kelvin Daley, Dr Glenville Liburd, Yahsonn Tafari and Maurice “EK” Flanders each looked at the socio-economic and medicinal benefits, as well as place marijuana as a developing industry that larger countries in the world such as the USA, Israel, Canada, the UK and Europe, were already making huge profits.
Dr Kelvin Daley looked at the economics of the marijuana industry and said the raw products and subsequent by products had been utilized in a variety of ways including soaps, lotions, oils, inhalers, capsules, bath salts, acne treatment, toothpaste and lubricants showing the versatility of the plant.
Dr Daley said a variety of pharmaceutical products had been also derived to treat medical problems such as cancer and epilepsy.
Talk show host Maurice “EK” Flanders said it was time to decriminalize marijuana and not continue to brand our youth as criminals because of the recreational and medicinal use of the herbs.
Following the presentations a lively question and answer period ensued, with former deputy premier Hensley Daniel indicating that it was the intention of an NRP government to decriminalize marijuana if elected.