High Priest Rithmond McKinney.
By EARYEL BOWLEG
Tribune Staff Reporter
ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
RASTAFARIAN Priest Rithmond McKinney said arrests of Rastafarians with small quantities of marijuana has declined.
“The minister of national security did assure us that he was going to speak to the commissioner of police concerning that matter,” he told reporters yesterday. “So as of late, we see a slow down on our members being arrested, but it’s still happening.”
National Security Minister Wayne Munroe confirmed discussing the matter with Mr McKinney yesterday.
Attorney General Ryan Pinder said last year that he hoped legislation to decriminalise cannabis would be tabled in the House of Assembly last month, but that did not happen.
Mr McKinney said his community hopes there will be no more delays.
He said more delays will make Rastafarians feel like they still must agitate and lobby while their rights are infringed.
He added: “All you could do is continue knocking on their doors asking them when it will take place and ask them to respect our rights and protect our rights as a Rastafarian community.”
“Of course, you know, we had consultation with the AG‘s office and also the minister of health, but we didn’t have a chance to see exactly what is in the bill yet. But, of course, we’ll give them our concerns and what we would love to see take place within the bill.”
Comments
carltonr61 9 months ago
Rastas as a minority use the least of cannabis. But though Government proposes to allow them to conduct legal Religious use from a medicinal standpoint there are still some universally observed cautions that need consultations, as with all potential and current users. The tourist adult cannabis market is even larger than indigenous local use.
At cannabahamas@gmail.com we are contact with Cannabis Tourism that could cater to Family Island boutique small hotels that seeks partnership with global travelers. Also, there is so much educational, medicinal and social consultations to address.
carltonr61 9 months ago
Until government bring some legality and organizational structure to cannabis billion dollar profits from disorganized street thugs to a taxable entity in order to stop the killings we are in trouble.
TalRussell 9 months ago
Upon reflection! --- The Honourable Rastafarians' Leader Priest, Rithmond McKinney. -- Has what it would take to be brought on as [The Senior Consultant/Advisor[ to the "Brave" Premiership's [Weed Sacramental Sector]. --- Yes?
ThisIsOurs 9 months ago
We sell people this myth that making an industry stuffed with bottom feeders will suddenly clean it up. It won't
Cbsnews.com 03-23
"In a state where cannabis is widely legalized, California still has a significant illegal marijuana scene. The state Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) is only two years old but is quickly tackling and dismantling these operations."
ThisIsOurs 9 months ago
Senseiseeds.com
From ancient Indian warriors, through American troops in Vietnam, all the way to conscripted child soldiers in modern-day Africa, cannabis has been extensively used by armed forces engaging in conflict. What are the underlying causes of this surprising phenomenon, and what are its consequences?
Most of us see cannabis as a peaceful substance, one that will relax and calm the user and increase feelings of social bonding and togetherness within a community. So why is it that throughout history, reports of cannabis being used as a weapon of war are so common?
From the Assassin sect of ancient Persia, all the way to modern-day African warlords who ply their child soldiers with cannabis, there are dozens of accounts of the famously pacifistic herb being used as a means to facilitate warfare.
I mentioned the use of drugs in warfare to someone and was completely surprised that they dismissed it as nonsense. My viewpoint was based on the Nordic berserkers famous for their violence who would famously drug up before war.
It's highly likely that these teenagers committing murders build their courage to commit carnage through use of marijuana, which appears readily available, and/or in combination with other mind altering substances.
We need to stop selling myths about zero possible harm from all mind altering and addictive drugs including marijuana, alcohol and porn. Decide to Legalize it? accept responsibility for the fallout before the crisis.
Porcupine 9 months ago
It was a way to pacify people who had to deal with a ridiculous mentality, such as yours. War is stupid. And, those who support it are the like. Who are you, or any government capable of legislating to any of us when your research is so flawed and your actions so corrupted?
ThisIsOurs 9 months ago
To your first point exactly, it was a way to pacify people. To dull the impact and stress of the coming carnage and PTSD associated with trauma. But to your analysis, the one fact you miss is that all drugs even the ones deemed helpful to mankind can have differing effects on different people. Some people in fact rather than being pacified become violent. The local terminology is "trip out"
You and others want to continue the narrative that there are no harmful effects of marijuana use. The first clear and present danger is it dulls the mind. That's the sole purpose of taking it. I mean how much more dull do you want our people?
Porcupine 9 months ago
But, stay focused on this issue, such that we can continue to keep this nation in the dark ages. Do we need any more proof that our educational system has failed?
JackArawak 9 months ago
This is ours, you’re delusional. However, fear not, because the legalization bill will never see the light of day. It’s a PR stunt
ThisIsOurs 9 months ago
A more correct statement would be myself along with the Vietnam vets, the native Indians, the berserkers and these teenage boys are delusional. Drug use in war is fact. The might see the light of day, they might just stall till 2026.
Porcupine 9 months ago
Yes, delusional. Sorry but your facts are superficial, and wrong, at best.
ThisIsOurs 9 months ago
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ThisIsOurs 9 months ago
I'm not sure if you just got to earth on not, but on wikipedia with over 30 citations is the following:
Use of mind-altering substances in warfare has included drugs used for both relaxation and stimulation. Historically, drug use was often sanctioned and encouraged by militaries through including alcohol and tobacco in troop rations. Stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines were widely used in both World Wars to increase alertness and suppress appetite. Drug use can negatively affect combat readiness and reduce the performance of troops. Drug use also poses additional expenses to the health care systems of militaries.
carltonr61 9 months ago
The government of The Bahamas along with the Bahamas Medical Council gas put together world class documentations based on all that is known to date in the medical field data and tried and true evidence. I have read them all, and trust me what we as a people have put together is backed by The United NationscOffuce of Crime and Drugs 2022. That particular document mentions national criteria observed in nations that legalized Cannibas where Cannabis is already readily available. We have to stay in line with UN and WHO evidence, which state that The Bahamas there exists cannabis consumption fir over 70 years fir those who will to use it. Legalization has seen street gang crime fall because prohibition creates territorial ownership by gangs. National availability across the Caribbean has led to profits because governments collect taxes and fees like yearly drivers license for adult usage
carltonr61 9 months ago
Simply decriminalization of Cannibas dies not allow for adolescent warnings as Cannabis gas a trajectory effect and impact based on different ages, stages of life, medications, sex and individual tolerances. So everything any one could say about Cannabis is correct, but with explanations for each circumstance. A teen withdrawal symptoms from Cannibas is different from an adult. There is a part of the brain that communicates with the spiritual world but few people know about it. So it is not that the Rasta is wrong on religion. After all, the mechanism has been used thousands of years. The knowledge the old folks had on herbal or botanical medicines died with them, but modern medicine synthesized those compounds and dosed them, just as the medicine men instructed on usage.
carltonr61 9 months ago
Police not messing with Rasta because legalization coming soon so it would be a waste of Police and court time. I guess that is hopeful news Rasta. I am certified in Cannabis For Primary Care, with the Canadian Public Hospitals Association. I can inform, educate, plus work under a doctor who prescribes Cannabis.
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