Truth be told I've been debating writing about this topic for awhile now. I've been quietly observing the outlook of the masses and struggling with whether or not my view may or may not bring forth certain repercussions.
A couple weeks ago at a Caricom meeting the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago finally let the cat out of the bag when she alluded to the fact that she's willing to consult the populous of her country in regards to the possible decriminalization of marijuana.
Now this topic has been getting quite a bit of coverage due to the recent legislation that has been passed and considered in a number if US states. So it really comes as no surprise that the nations of Caricom seem to be willing to jump on the decriminalization or legalization band wagon. Thanks to globalization that's just what we as Caribbean nations do, follow the trend. But I'll leave that discussion for another rant.
To be honest with you I've always felt that the decriminalization and or legalization of marijuana is something that is simply bound to happen and the only reason it hasn't taken place is due to the fact that the powers that be haven't found an adequate method by which to make money off of the product.
That said I actually applaud the steps that the Caricom governments are taking at the moment. However I am a little concerned about the current avenue the discussions are going down.
Firstly a lot of talk in regards to this issue has been surrounded by the economic profitability that decriminalization and legalization could bring to the region. Its no secret that from a financial standpoint the region is still struggling to come to grips with the economic crisis that rippled through the world a few years ago. Many a leader has pointed to marijuana as a potential crutch that can be used to put the Caribbean back on its feet.
However I'm a bit skeptical about that consensus, based on a historical perspective. Those of you who are versed in your Caribbean history will remember that the first cash crop of the Caribbean was in fact Tobacco which can be likened to a not to distant relative of marijuana. It should be noted that before tobacco was produced in the Caribbean the islands that we know of today were insignificant at best. Similar to the situation they now find themselves in.
However the production of tobacco brought a semblance a notability to the territories and a small stream of income. It should be noted that tobacco was never able to bring unprecedented profits to the Caribbean. This was due to the fact that competition was ripe, particularly in the American colonies. The availability of land led to the tobacco of the Americas being of a higher quantity and quality.
That brings me to my point. Has the world really changed that much since the early 16th century. If the islands of Caricom are looking to marijuana as the means to economic security I believe that history has already written that chapter and the ending is not the best.
Yes Jamaica and St Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago have the ability to produce a relatively potent crop. But in reality will they be able to compete with say Colombia, Uruguay, Holland and the USA, to name a few. I think not. Therefore I think its a big mistake to pin your financial security on a crop that will most likely bring your economy minimum profits. What I do think is that extensive research and planning needs to go into this decision and a concrete plan needs to be put in place. A plan which doesn't rely on marijuana being the economic savior of the region. A savior it is not, but a short term crutch perhaps.
There is no hiding the fact marijuana does have a place in society, I just hope the powers that be come up with the right sort of game plan to affect the change.
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