The Tribune

By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE issue as to whether or not medicinal marijuana should be legalised is not an issue in the “front and centre” of the Free National Movement, party chairman Darron Cash told The Tribune yesterday.

His comments came a day after Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell said the government will study the matter following a CARICOM meeting in Trinidad next month where the issue is expected to be discussed.

“I am astounded that the PLP continues to find any excuse to misdirect their attention and focus on non-essential and non-critical activities,” Mr Cash said.

“Medical marijuana on the great world debate does not consume the attention of Bahamians who worry about being able to put food on the table, who worry about keeping their own jobs and those are the things that ought to consume the Prime Minister’s attention and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.”

In recent years, support for marijuana legalisation for medicinal purposes has been increasing around the world.

More than 40 countries are now considering changes to legislation against the plant for medicinal or recreational use.

This week, Jamaican leaders announced their intent to decriminalise marijuana use for medical purposes by the end of the year in a bid to not be “left behind” in the global shift on the issue.

Last month, on a local talk show, US Embassy Acting Deputy Chief of Mission John Armstrong advised that their country’s global policy against the drug remained unchanged despite laws in Colorado and Washington, which regulate the growth, sale and taxation of the plant.