The proponents of the topic “Marijuana Should Be Legalized” got the nod from judges in a debate which was held recently at the Dominica State College (DSC).
The debate, organized by The Dominica State College Literary and Debating Society in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Environment and the National Drug Abuse Prevention Unit, included two teams from the College.
The proposing team, which comprised T’keyah John Baptiste and Alisha Alexander, amassed 824 points to triumph over their opponents Lucina Nicholas and Celine Shillingford, who obtained 769 points.
Best speaker awards went to Alisha Alexander and Celine Shillingford.
The proposing team put forward the view that marijuana can be a great economic booster by generating revenue on the implementation of taxes on imports and exports.
“Marijuana has proven to be a more useful and beneficial drug than those we have already. By taking the chance to legalize it, we will not be at a loss.” John Baptiste argued.
The opposing team, on the other hand, highlighted the possible effects on health, if marijuana were to be legalized.
“Rapidly accumulating new research shows that marijuana use is association with increased in a range of serious mental and physical problems. Is legalizing marijuana the way forward for Dominica? Are we only into receiving profits or are we a country that cares and supports the health of our Dominican people. “Nicholas stated.
The proposing team’s Alisha Alexander, rebutted this argument by stressing that marijuana “kills cancer cells.”
“As you can see, my most worthy opponents, cannabis works. Compare this benefit to cigarette smoke which contains over 4000 chemicals including 43 known to cause cancer and 400 other toxins.” Alexander countered.
After the debate, the audience which included herbalists and cannabis activists, added to the discussion by expressing their views on the matter.
The event was held on November 29, 2016 at the DSC auditorium.
Debate all you want. Whether it legal or not, I will eat it and I will smoke it!
I support this statement 100%.
So we legalizing it?????
We legalised drink a long time ago. Speak to the people in the rum shops and they will tell you where that got them.
The elites want us ‘dumb-down’ and ready to help them reduce our numbers to 500,000,000 which is their depopulation target.
Grass is the perfect way to go! It got the USA Donald Trump, remember?
Legalising it will be sure to get us Linton, Zika’s sister, Avian Flu and Ebola too
you really think weed made America vote for Trump? lmao you idiot. If you have never lived the the rural parts of America you will never understand white america and how they really think.
I do not and will never support the legalization of Marijuana in Dominica. This is a gateway drug that is being misunderstood and has been the cause for many of our Paros in town.
Marijuana is said to be a drug which helps people who were born with some ailments, or got sick. Sad. But Marijuana in itself will not cure a healthy human from something he does not have! What are you taking it for?
This is very sad in Dominica , that college kids are debating the possibility for drug use .
Why not corruption in Government , better health care , sporting facilities and infrastructure improvement in Dominica?
Those rich countries have the money to support drug rehabilitation clinics so they can legalize it. But today the hospital is sending it\’s patients to Roseau to get medicines that it does not have. So this is a big misguided move . I do not support it.
you sound dumb. IF it is a gateway drug, why havent i used other drugs in the past 20 years i have used it. (almost every day). I only consume alcohol on occasion. I hold a very high paying job compated to many other dominicans and i also hold a university dregree and aspiring to my masters. I mentor i tutor and i am active in my community. non the less i enjoy my smoke. It is medicine as well as recreation. i am not sick. i was asthmatic but not anymore. and i still continue to enjoy. i bet you have a set of rum at your home Massacre. rum is the real killer. keep in mind that marijuana can help us afford all of the above. Research Colorado state revenues and that they do with their marijuana money. Marijuana doesnt send people mad. People with pre existing conditions go mad. it isnt for everyone. not every strain does the same thing. which is why PROPER DRUG EDUCATION is necessary. not just scare tactics in a pamphlet classing weed with coke. but not informing pf their medicinal right
free up the herb,healing of the nation.
If it is legalized the drug dealers will not be happy because the price of it will go down
Be Careful what we ask for, we might get it! Who help to buy, Big Belly Horse, will not help to carry the Hay. Remember, we read it first on D.N. O.
Unfortunate Demonizing. Stone throwing. Shameful! End Drug Wars! End Oppression. If you commit a real crime… murder, rape, robbery..don’t drive intoxicated…then you must face consequences. If you have some sort of addiction get help, go to church, find a rehab. End this obsession with control and limiting freedom. End these myths and propaganda. Educate but make sure it is all facts not propaganda. Teach your children to avoid all forms of drugs at all cost. End this lie and obsession with pushing a drug war. Freedom must ring. Stop promoting the black market and crime with your drug wars. I am free, I am not your slave, my body is my property not the property of the state. God is my judge concerning substance not the state. We must end oppression and slavery through drug wars.
Nobody can stop the times. Reverend a diploma in drug studies is not enough . It is written ” He created the herb for man.”so put it your pipe and smoke it. Sweeping generalisations not based on fact are just opinions which of course one is entitled to.
It is written “He created the herb for man.”
Noted that it is “herb” not herbs. The word is obviously singular not plural. I don’t know which herb it is referring to but I doubt if it was marijuana.
Are you implying that every weed and plant is “for man” in the sense that it is meant to be ate, chewed, drank, sniffed, and smoked? Is there no limit on how any “herb” can be safely used if at all?
Do you not know that many herbs (weeds) are are deadly poison if they are taken into the body?
Tobacco and alcohol are harmful. The research with marijuana continues but some serious risks are already known. Personally I have seen enough damage done to those who have abused marijuana, and others who have graduated from marijuana into heavier drugs during three summers of ministry in the ganglands of America’s inner cities.
Sincerely, rev. Donald Hill.
rev u again. Herb, herbs, c’est la mem chose. all the herbs on the land is for the use of man. Now it seems you want to speak for GOd and say what you doubt he intended or intended. You religious zealots, i can never understand you. Marijuana isnt a gateway drug. if someone wants to use a stronger drug they will. as for me and my friends, we have only ever smoked weed. Some have even stopped drinking or smoking cigarettes but maintained their cannabis. Rev if you have never tried it, i submit that you STFU as you know nothing about it. i bet you does drink your rum though.
Actually, my diploma in drug studies broadened my knowledge of the subject and the knowledge is quite helpful. But you are right. It is not enough. This is why I continue to read, attend lectures, and take courses.
To the best of my ability the statements I make are factual. If you find an error please point it out to me.
We have enough facts on our side to win. The problem is those who are pushing for legalization are not
interested in facts.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.
the fact is police will come to my home. ignore the kids clothes mixed with piles of paper invoices and computer parts laptops everywhere and take me FROM MY HOME charge me, with a stain on my record and an implied label stamped on me all because of your high and mighty perspective….reverend just leave the judgement to god and love all.. THAT is your duty…you are no polititian and you have no bearing on legislature….if not take the sheepish clothes you wear and join the rest of the wolves..
“To the best of my ability the statements I make are factual. If you find an error please point it out to me.”
We do. Then you just reiterate the same false statements the next time the issue comes up. You’re unteachable.
I am very disappointed to hear that Dominica wants to legalize marijuana I never thought that the government would allowed such grazyiness not everyone can take the smell of smoke especially the smell of marijuana if the government is so despretly want to make money to finance the country they should put more jobs out there Dominica have alot of provisions and friuts all over the country put the people to work find ways to manufacture all the products other countries manufacture temarines, gauva, soursoop so why the government think of these things so Dominica can export some of it’s products overseas so the country can become financialy dependent on it’s own and not too much on borrowing from other countries and spend their money in Dominica. I think I said too much one more thing can Dominica really help the people who will get more sicker smoking marijuana it’s a very bad drug and not enough test have been done to really know the results of it.
Here in Canada our P.M. has now legalized marijuana. The legalization of marijuana has created other problems. The governments (federal and provincial) are now working to pass new laws to determine how to apply the new “legalization”.
Who can sell marijuana
Where can it be sold 
Who can it be sold to 
What should the minimum age be 
Should it be restricted to medicinal use 
Should a prescription be required 
For what illnesses could it be prescribed 
Should it be allowed for recreational use 
Should it be allowed at parties 
Already there is another problem.
Marijuana and driving 
The police are on television telling us “impaired driving” or “driving under the influence” now includes – not only alcohol – but also marijuana, and will be treated the same way. They are stopping drivers and testing (roadside) for marijuana. This means they had to buy additional equipment to test for marijuana.
just like not everyone can take the smell of burning rubbish, or certain foods like tripe etc. But i cannot tell you not to cook your tripe if u want to do so in the sanctity of you own home. who am i? i would be rude to tell u not to. so respect my right to do so in my own privacy. we are not asking you to smoke it in your face or in your church or in your house. I personally think you have more pressing issues to worry about like your spelling and grammar. If you have ever played farmville, you will know that some crops have a much higher value than others. a pound of weed is worth much more than a pound of guava, or a gallon of guava juice. That is why states like Colorado will make 10’s of millions a year to improve their society.
Regina you sound like Donald Trump.
What is happening to our male students, are they taking a back steep to allow the females to excel ? Congratulation to the 2 teams the Presenters and the Opositing team
Caribbean 360 news reported on 1 Dec. that he University Hospital mental health centre of Copennhagen (Denmark), has just published the results of their findings on the effects of Marijuana use, based on examination of more than 3.1 million records of mental health patients. It turns out that marijuana users are at high risk of schizophrenia and that in this regard it poses a higher risk than any other substance, including class A drugs.
Denmark has a reputation as a liberal country and I would not dismiss their findings lightly.
I would like to hear Dr. Benjamin’s professional views on this as I’m sure he is confronted by- and familiar with the use of marijuana and the incidence of schizophrenia in our country more than anyone else.
You make it sound like the study showed that smoking cannabis causes schizophrenia, but it didn’t. It makes much more sense that young people with early stage schizophrenia use cannabis in an attempt to self-medicate.
What actually happened is probably that the marijuana triggered latent schizophrenia.
This was observed a few year ago with LSD users and attested to by research.
Did the drug “cause” the illness? Maybe it depends on how you apply the word “cause”. I don’t know. The cannabis does not appear to have helped.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.
Schizophrenics used marijuana.
Did they use it to “medicate” or did they simply use it? I suspect they used it to get high.
What this may show us is that schizophrenics are more apt to use marijuana. This may also
apply to people with other mental illnesses.
So marijuana attracts sick people. This is not the best advertising for marijuana. People with a sound mind and good judgment are more likely to stay away from the weed.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.
THANK YOU TITIWI
I have been waiting to hear from Denmark. Without your contribution I expect I would have missed this.
Also recent studies supported by two medical schools in the USA have shown smoking marijuana damages an area of the brain responsible for memory and learning. Marijuana smoking results in students experiencing a drop in grades, and a higher percentage of students dropping out of school before graduation. This data is available and will be getting publicity. Don’t think it won’t be used by caring parents to sue when the time comes.
If parents see this in their families they should talk to their lawyers. Cigarette companies are even now being sued by families who have lost loved ones to lung cancer. Better still. Don’t wait until it happens.
Serve notice to your government the day they begin debating marijuana legalization. A petition with a warning followed by enough names may cause brakes to screech
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.
you are yet to show facts buddy. I am beginning to think that you are really an educated man Rev.
why would you give someone with schizophrenia weed? KEep in mind people, MARIJUANA IS NOT FOR EVERYONE!! just like how alcohol isnt for everyone. just like how certain drugs that are common may have different reaction to certain people! just like how certain people cannot ingest or even smell peanuts because they may have an allergic reaction and die, but are peanuts illegal? no. It is not for everyon just like how alcohol isnt for everyone. i like scotch but brandy makes me vomit and black out, SO I DONT DRINK BRANDY! but do you hear me calling to make it illegal? no to each his own. you people like to assert you opinions on other peoples lives too much. If the former DPP had taken his marijuana oil early he wouldnt have cancer and be begging for $ for treatment. make it legal or decriminalize it. fighting a losing battle because it still smoking daily right by the financial center.
I am looking forward for that day to come true….because too many people are going to prison for a plant that was created by God …and what makes it worse is to see that only the poor people that are being send to prison because they are not capable of paying a good lawyer to defend them….LEGALIZE MARIJUANA.
– Atropia Belladonna ( or deadly nightshade)
– Ricinis Communis ( castor oil plant and source of deadly ricin)
– Papaver Sominiferum ( poppy plant)
All naturally occurring plants, yet lethal in one form or another. Especially the latter, in the form of heroin is causing an epidemic of addiction and death in the U.S.A. right now.
They were all created by the same God that created marijuna. There goes your argument!
Don’t be daft ;read the above ;marijuana is the plant that we have to support right now ; when the time will come to support these plants that you talk about we will talk about..never mix coconut and apricot..
This is very interesting. Tobacco is also a stimulant and a natural herb, related to the deadly nightshade and,as we know now the source of many diseases, especially cancer. I know that guys who like to smoke marijuana are particularly fond of a brunt. That is marijuana rolled in a tobacco leaf. I am sure that tobacco would be banned too if it had been discovered by the “developed” world today but it has become too important to governments as a revenue earner, especially in China which the largest producer of tobacco by far.
They are all used are medicines one way or another, including cocaine. Cocaine is in so many drugs you would not believe. everytime your dentist numbs your mouth, you are being shot up with a nice dose of cocaine. trust me on that.
I cringe when I hear financial gain offered as a reason to legalize marijuana. To hear it coming from the Caribbean is totally insensitive in light of the fact that it was financial gain that drove the slave trade.
We once thought marijuana was only psychologically addictive. Now we know it is also physically addictive.
Marijuana damages part of the brain responsible for memory and learning. Long term smoking causes students to experience a drop in their school grades, and results in more dropping of school before
graduation.
Marijuana smoking causes respiratory problems and contributes to some cancers.
Marijuana is often found in bad company. People who sell marijuana frequently sell guns and ammunition, along with cocaine and heroine.
Marijuana is linked to crime. People who go on a serial binge of stealing, rape, and murder are often high on marijuana
In Canada we are seeing more marijuana smoking involved in traffic accidents since the marijuana laws have been…
In Canada we are seeing more marijuana smoking involved in traffic accidents since the marijuana laws have been relaxed.
The police have gone on television warning us that driving under the influence (DUI) or impaired driving (ID) now includes not only alcohol but also marijuana. The police are now doing roadside tests for marijuana. It has made it necessary for them to buy new testing equipment to test for marijuana smoking drivers. The police are telling us people smoking and driving will be dealt with the same as those who drink and drive.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist. (Diploma in Drug Studies)
Diploma in Drug Studies my big toe
im a sucessful business man who has grown my business from the ground up I support importand infrastucture for pwc, dswmc, josephine g&co just to name a few..i am a father stepfather to an 8 year old and a brother and a friend to many…… my only crime is that I have smoked weed since I was 13 yrs old and I am begging you man just SHUT THE H up already………
Reverand you are the biggest internet unintellectual on DNO. DOES EVERYONE KNOW THAT THIS MAN HAS NEVER EVEN BEEN TO DOMINICA? YET HE HAS THE MOST TO SAY ABOUT OUR GOINGS ON HERE IN OUR NATURE ISLE? The D.D behind you name – i can think of a few thinks that it could stand for. (Dumb n Dumber) (Damn Dunce).
uh… if it is illegal, it would always be a crime or be linked to it. The memory part is for youth and THC not medicinal aspect, that is why there are strains for children that wont get you high, However studies show that once the brain is developed as an adult, that is not a problem. i drive high everyday and no accidents. i drive while smoking and no accidents. Maybe people in Canada are different than people in the Caribbean. When you decide to visit DOminica for your very first time REV you will see that we operate differently from others.
Skerrit should have been invited,he would probably learn from the students what debating is all about..Yes its high time to start a serious discussion on this marijuana use..I am no smoker,and I can’t tolerate smokers around me not for one second..However we are too darn HYPOCRITE and SOO TEE WER in this speck of land called Dominica..If a man has a few joints at his home,or a ganja tree for his own consumption,maybe for medicinal reasons too,the man should not be dragged to court. If it can be proven that he is a trafficker,PUNISH HIM TO THE MAX..Dominicas real enemies are those greedies who are living high on the hog from the sale of our property.According to Mighty Sparrow(Good Citizen),these greedy vultures make a mockery of the law,and then use the same law to protect them full time…CONGRATS TO BOTH TEAMS!!!
Congratulations to the proponents. It’s good to see the day was one by the side of this issue that makes sense in terms of economics, public health, and individual liberty.
Indeed such a wonderful outcome