Despite the controversy surrounding the issue of legalization of marijuana in Dominica, Parliamentary Representative for the Roseau Central Constituency, Joseph Isaac, has chimed in on the matter, stating that it is time for officials to seriously consider the decriminalizing marijuana.
“I would like us, as a country, to look at—and not just talk—to look at the decriminalization of marijuana in Dominica, through legislation. I think it is time,” Isaac said, on Friday morning, at the graduation ceremony of the Youth Development Division’s ‘Life Skills’ program.
He advised against ‘creating criminals’ out of the youth, as first-time offenders because of marijuana.
“I am saying that because… I think it is really, really bad for us to, for example, send a young man or woman to jail as a first-time offender because he/she has a spliff in his/her hand. I think we need to move beyond that,” he remarked. “And as a black culture, we need to really take that seriously, and not create criminals out of our young people.”
Isaac commented that in the short-term a policy should be written whereby the judicial system would consider suspended sentence on such offenders.
“I’m saying in short term, we could even look at a policy that could be written where we could ask the judicial system to consider a suspended sentence for anybody who is found with a small joint or a small spliff in their hand, where the suspended sentence would give a mandatory attachment in a special program of the Youth Division, for personal development,” he suggested.
Isaac expressed his willingness to “lead the mission” towards this objective and revealed that he has already discussed the idea with a member of Cabinet.
In 2012, Attorney General, Levi Peter, made it clear that the drug would not soon be legalized, stating that, “Marijuana will continue to be an illegal substance in Dominica in the foreseeable future.”
In 2014, Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, revealed plans to review and perhaps alter Dominica’s marijuana laws, with the view to lifting some restrictions. However, he emphasized that the government was not prepared to lift the ban on the use of the herb completely.
Marijuana has been classified as a ‘Class B’ drug in Dominica meaning that it is illegal to possess, cultivate, or sell the substance.
I was taught in primary school that
There are Four Things that come back not.
The Spoken Word
The Past Life
The Spared Arrow and
The Neglected Opportunity
The Parl Rep for Roseau Central missed all of them at the Commencement of a Graduating Class to speak positively to young people an opportunity that will never be again afford itself to that class and that speaker.. If this is what the UWP have to offer young people , the young people now have an opportunity to see which political party have their best interest at heart for a positive and bright future. The parents who want the best for their children must take note when the time comes to vote for party who will steer their children in a right direction for a brighter future.
To the graduating class think what is best for your future. I feel sad for the young people listening to such a speech. Sad day in Dominica from a supposedly leader in the community. I pray he was not the main speaker at that forum.
We need educate ourselves on why was Marijuana criminalized in the first case. Then we will learn how brainwashed we have been.
I keep repeating it; and I will state it again a computer, smart phone and believing every garbage one read on the Internet cannot educate anybody unless they have a sound scholastic educational background. Along with that one need to be able to think cognitively, and use some commonsense.
One person present some crap about 162 years ago Marijuana was legal: Be informed 162 years ago if there was a need to amputate an arm or a leg, no anesthesia was used, the primitive doctors would make the patient put a bit of wood across their mouth and bite on it whiles they use a saw like a carpenter saw to amputate the appendages.
Hence in 1837 derived the word saw-bones, that was 179 years ago it was legal then to perform surgery that way, in 2016 that method is not used. Marijuana was perhaps used then without the knowledge of how dangerous it is! Opium was used then too, would anyone legalize it 2016.
Now to those Dominicans who claim Marijuana is harmless, could anyone of you tell…
Cont:
Now to those Dominicans who claim Marijuana is harmless, could anyone of you tell me where you studied, and scientifically research the effects of marijuana on the human mind, just about all the crap you read on the Internet are put there by drug addicted people! We talk about a lack of productivity in Dominica now.
Legalize marijuana and we will fine more than the island people walking the streets as zombies
I am a Canadian woman who has visited Dominica a couple of times my goal is to live there, and hopefully work there in government (as I am graduating with a political science degree and going into law). You may think I would take the stance that marijuana should be illegal, but I do not. I have my medical license here in Canada and the government legally sells me ganja. This is somewhat of a joke because the money is going into their pocket and I think it should be made fully legalized. First, it does not have the effects that people have been indoctrinated to believe it does. Second, young people who smoke ganja are not criminals and are not more prone to do criminal activities. Ganja is less harmful than alcohol, makes people smile and giggly and relaxed. Alcohol causes many more problems than ganja ever could or would. It is becoming legal in many progressive countries. I am hoping it is legalized there before I arrive in a few years.
May God help us! What we need in Dominican government is a lawyer with a degree in political science, who smokes pot! Lady, we have enough crackpots and lotus eaters already that giving us headache.
Well, you see anonymous, these sorts of reprobates heard that Dominicans are stupid, and anything goes in Dominica, and since such people hear marijuana is common in Dominica, that might be an attraction for that clown!
I doubt that miserable whoever they are could ever graduate college, read my bit on hallucinogens and psychoactive drugs, and you will get an insight of who is talking!
What lawyer in their right mind would leave Canada and consider going to Dominica to practice law, in a place where the population is less than eighty thousand people, where there are more lawyers than cases to handle. That is just not very intelligent braggart farting from their mouth!
And let me define braggart to that foolish one: “a loud arrogant boaster” is termed a “braggart.” That kind we do not want in our country they have nothing to contribute!
There are lots of cynical sick people out there, piping hot garbage. The way you are trying to impress Dominicans is like this: You are such an important person that the government of Canada gives you priority and sells you drugs!
It is my assertion that you are nothing more than a dope head who has a dependency on drugs, as such the system has given you a prescription to go into a legal marijuana shop to buy a limited amount of marijuana for medicinal purpose only!
Whatever your pretended sickness; you may have made the claim that you get relive when you smoke that illicit mind altering substance. Good for you; if you want to smoke yourself into a vegetative state that’s your procreative. Who cares about you and political science, and going into law?
Don’t you know that most medical malpractice are committed by doctors strong out on dope while attending to patients. Lawyers has been thrown out of court because they could not function in court. Your kind are not need in…
Isaac, you are a politician. You must teach the youths well and be a good example to them. For God’s sake, not about marijuana and its decriminalization. They should be taught “to stay away from drugs” so that they are not arrested, imprisoned and later commit crimes while under the influence.
These are the adults of tomorrow who will, hopefully, take their rightful place in society. So what are you teaching them? Just why were you elected, if not to also assist the youths to study, be diligent, to graduate and one day obtain a legal, stable job? They will also be parents. You must teach them to be responsible now and in the future.
The issue here is not because of this so-called black culture you harped on. Who cares? Nationals are of two different races. They are not black. Black is a color; not a race. If anyone asks me, do West Indians have a race and a full-fledged one? Stop talking nonsense. Furthermore, what you stated is beyond the point.
How much is a pong of fig? How much is a pong of herb? Do de math. Now how many ever die from weed overdose? Now Rev you post colonial drunkard do you know that alcohol was once illegal? You calling people foolish but slavery was supported by the very same Christianity that you espouse. The rep is in sync with the times. Criminalising black people doh try to whitewash it and forget about any political mileage . All you impostors with your posts just want to split hairs with antiquated antics and semantiics but you will pass away and Jah herb will never pass away . Word.
Indeed alcohol was made legal, lots of us of indulged: Nevertheless, any honest person may tell you they regret taking that first drink of alcohol. Alcohol is also a mind altering substance, and has also destroyed millions of life’s and continue to do so!
Hallucinogens are psychoactive drugs that modify an individual’s perceptual experiences, and produce hallucinations; in simple terms are mind altering agents. Although marijuana is considered a mild hallucinogen; it has caused as much damage to the human brain in some cases worst than lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD).
The active ingredient in marijuana is TCH which is the chemical delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. The physical effects of marijuana include increase in pulse rate meaning it stresses the heart, also rise ones blood pressure; subjecting the user to the probability of falling victim to strokes, heart attack, and aneurysms in the brain. Other effects are reddening of the eyes, coughing, and dryness of the mouth.
Psychological effects include a combination of excitatory, depressive, and hallucinatory characteristics, making it difficult to classify the drug. The drug can produce spontaneous unrelated ideas; distorted perceptions of time, and place can occur ; verbal…
Continuation & Conclusion:
Verbal behavior may increase or cease to occur at all; and increased sensitivity to sound, and colors might appear. Marijuana also impair attention, and memory, suggesting that smoking marijuana is not conducive to optimal school performance. When marijuana is used daily, often in large amounts, it also impair the human reproductive system, and it is believed to have caused some defects.
Why would a politician want to legalized that sort of mind altering substance?
I did not see he congratulated the students for their efforts tell them continue to push further, but you are talking about one splif should not go to jail. WOW!
Mr. Isaac is irresponsible and would be well advised to read consultant psychiatrist Dr. Nadia Wallace’s report on Asher James, who was convicted only last week for the brutal murder of Kenny George. Mr. James’ heavy and persistent marijuana use was cited as a contributory factor to his severe behavioral problems that lay at the roots of this heinous misdeed. I would advise mr. Isaac to seek Asher’s parents’ views on the effects of marijuana use before trying to score cheap political points.
if ppl were to discover another herbal plant and started using, those fools would make that new discovery illegal too? People wake up!!! While the white man is making millions off of it the stupid black hungry ones putting there own kind behind bars! If people were to do there researches they would realize that marijuana was criminalized by the whites..Have you guys ever heard of marijuana causing motor vehicular accidents? or running around like a jackass loud and stupid in the place? Wake up Dominicans stop being so naive. The damn government should be thinking of ways to utilize our fertile soil and our hot sun to make our country full of riches….so everyone could have some change in there pockets. And stop ending the youts life for a spliff mother f*******! I always say and will keep on saying Dominica should never have gone independent because one person always want everything for there damn self..greedy F******MOST OF THEM WITH THERE HIGH RANK SMOKE IT ANYWAYS!!
No facts at all.
As soon as people, politicians, clergy etc understand how the criminalization of marijuana came about, they will understand he we came to this point. Marijuana was a non issue until a certain influential U.S official made it his duty to influence US politicians to make it illegal in the US to begin with. Then pushed the US to abuse their influence over the United Nations to force all other nations to make marijuana illegal or risk not getting aid from the UN. This is how we get to where we are now. Not the moral issues and other ills they associated with it. Lots to do with racism in America when that influential US official had to deal with Jazz musicians among others (mainly Blacks as you’d imagine) and orchestrated the whole riffer madness campaign vilifying it in American movies and publications. It is not what they say it is people. Alcohol is worse, and they legalized it.
Google it people just simply Google it you will learn how we got to where we are today on marijuana.
Based on some of the comments here,it seems like most are seeing marijuana as a smoking thing;we seem not an objective society. We need to stop seeing marijuana as something people smoke to get high and rather see it as a created plant like another part of creation with its God given uses. The bet this is not the only thing the speaker was trying point out and the message is more about not making someone who smokes or use the plant a criminal. Using the plant really shouldn’t be a crime, the illegal or illicit selling and marketing of marijuana that may be a crime. This society is so hypocritical and bias,depending on who side we are and who makes a statement, we tend to make them wrong. Who say that this is not a forum for such topic, of course it is,like is parliament. Got to be realistic, the youth are exposed to marijuana and live face to face with it in their communities. Whilst we pretend that the speaker should not address such topic at such forum, some of us expose them to it.
“she examined the prisoner at the State Prison on June 17, 2016, and diagnosed him as suffering from “substance use disorder” characterized by ” heavy marijuana use.”(Wallace).
This is in reference to the murder which James committed which earned him more than twenty-five years in jail. The murderer himself told the doctor that he has been smoking Marijuana from the age of eleven; he stated when he smoke, the drudge it makes him aggressive.
I supposed aggressive enough to cause him to murder another human!
Based on that knowledge; I do not see how you a political aspiring to be a leader of the youths especially in the country would in a sound mind recommends that the state decriminalized marijuana.
I believe that is designed to be a vote catcher, that is one ploy you should not employ, that’s a trap to destroy the youth of the country.
Firstly let us take an objective look at the lies and rumors purported against marijuana .The Facts speak for themselves, whilst the Small economy’s marijuana cultivation is being suppressed the larger ones are cultivating , distributing and marketing it legally thus positively impacting their economy .laws are meant to keep the cultivation from positively adding to the economic growth of small developing nations.
The US Govt is readily arming our local police and coast guard to actively defeat the marijuana trade knowing well the positive impact on the economy that can be created from such activities. On the other hand they cast a blind eye at the Cocaine trade which is the root cause of our failing youth and distorted workforce.Let me reiterate that the common perception that marijuana is a stepping stone drug to so called “harder” drugs is and has always been skewed to push the agenda of those seeking to keep marijuana stigmatized. http://www.hempcar.org/untoldstory/hemp_5.html
Our time has come. Time to follow Jamaica’s example. Legalize the use of Ganja, now. Two ounces, and five plants….. Enough of making criminals out of our citizens over archaic beliefs. Peace
Looks like Joseph Isaac is making a clumsy attempt for the leadership of his party. I am not a supporter of Roosevelt Skerrit’s gang but I will not vote for UWP with Joseph Isaac at its head. The man has an overrated view of himself and we do not want another megalomaniac ruling our little country.
I do not believe that a graduation ceremony is the appropriate venue for promoting legislation favorable to marijuana use. The youth are more vulnerable to abuse of drugs because of weaker resolve and legislators should not appear to appeal to the nation to lessen their burden of responsibility for their own safety and wellbeing.
The reprenstative called for decriminalisation which is a good approach. Making possession of marijuana in excess of what could be considered sufficient for personal use should be a misdemeanor instead of a crime. The economic benefits of control and distribution of marijuana should only be a desperate afterthought brcause we can’t cure a social Ill with social exploitation. If marijuana is a problem, growers should be licensed just as rum distillers who are answerable to the authorities for taxes and production standards.
Hon Issac, Your intentions are good but it is vague in its supposed implementation.
I would sit first with social workers, welfare officers, psychiatrists, youth officers, doctors and scrutinise the impact and dangers of this drug first.
I also recognise the point of how best one can be punished as against decriminalisation of young people not destroying their lives at an early age and its on their CV for life.
Please, please consult before you go public
Real madness Roseau people must dump that marijuana gan star now we know those real drug dealers the start to come out no wonder there are so much paro In Roseau and that is all the UWP want to destroy the few young people with marijuana rage wicked park rep.you should be fired
http://www.barbadostoday.bb/2016/06/30/jamaica-ganja-use-soars/
Please take heed what happened in Jamaica when small amounts were decriminalised.
to all you who are against cannabis I guess you believe what Harry J Anslinger said (he’s one of the main men who sought to ban cannabis (hemp)
Harry J. Anslinger quotes:
Most marijuana smokers are Negroes, Hispanics, jazz musicians, and entertainers. Their satanic music is driven by marijuana, and marijuana smoking by white women makes them want to seek sexual relations with Negroes, entertainers, and others. It is a drug that causes insanity, criminality, and death — the most violence-causing drug in the history of mankind.
You are warped man. Harry Anslinger was a racist using ganja as an excuse for his warped views. Ganja nothing to do with race garcon, white people in Europe growing and smoking that there and more black people here simply because it have more of them in either place. Ganja affecting your mind though and it is as dangerous to drive a vehicle under the influence of that as it is under the influence of alcohol. besides I think it can not do your lungs much good.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XF19DvTkHc8
EDUCATE yourselves before you repeat the lies spread by the American propaganda machine
I hope that Mr. Isaac is not suggesting this action without considering the changes or conditions that will come with it.
Legalizing does not simply mean that people are going to just do whatever they choose –for example is the law for a man and a woman to get married, but they don\’t do so without a marriage license, to confirm their union, what that confirmation is called for.
It should be the same, if marijuana is legalized. There should be a license to culture it; there should be a license to sell it, in that for most people it is for the money that they do the culturing.
Just like alcohol, beer, and cigarette (as in the country where I live) there should be an age limit to permit the buying of the product–like 18 years and upwards– without those laws or control the legalizing of marijuana would simply create another chaos in Dominica–we have enough already.
More and more my people seems to proving themselves naive and ignorant. Is it because it’s a member of the UWP who made such a valuable statement that it is not valid? If i read and understood clearly,the gentleman never said to legalize the smoking of marijuana. What i understood he said,is to decriminalize marijuana. In other words, when one is caught with a spliff or a minimal amount in their possession, this person should not be made a criminal. The law as is,makes one a criminal if caught with any amount. It’s seems,some of you people on this island,love to be oppressed,it’s like slavery is in you’ll genes. I’m neither a smoker nor a planter and seller of marijuana as for me, no one should be smoking. But i believe some level of tolerance and respect should be given to one and not be made a criminal for smoking. When one smokes,the only person they are causing harm to is themselves. The only thing i’m asking of smokers, is to respect other people’s space whenever they are…
Common scense? if that is the type we know, then we`re big trouble, the gentleman with that smile and his prnouncements makes some valid points, but not for the legalization of Marijuana, we as a small island state already have enough problems, when we want our fifteen minutes in front a mike we must make sure that we look at cause and effect, what is good for the goose is not automatically good for the Gander. if what Asher convicted killer said about smoking the weed is true, then we surely have more Questions than answers. We not ready.
\”we as a small island state already have enough problems\”, @Brp July 1, 2016
That is exactly what I said. It is either Joseph Isaac is simply hiding the condition that must with act of decimalizing marijuana, in other to get the \”likes\” or he is ignorant of the facts; for both reasons his suggestion will or should be ignored.
Sir its obvious that his lawyer instructed him to say that in order to get a lighter sentence…When will you all get it through you all thick skull that Marijuana does not make one aggressive??
You should read better tbo he said to decriminalize it not legalize it..and I smoke just as much as the killer and I’m not killing anybody..stop blame the herb
What Asher said about weed has nothing to do with weed but everything to do with saving himself from harsh jail sentences. They all say ‘sir is marijuana I smoke’ blame it on marijuana hoping police or the system will be go easier on them. You watch too much Cops on TV to equate this in same sentence as the word ‘killer’. This is not TV.
In a graduation ceremony he is sking to legalize marijuana WOW, maybe he had nothing good educational to tell the students
guess he smoked some before he made that statement..marijuana does affect the mind and brain of some folks..most of the folks who abuse it,either get violent or end up in mad house.for sure my nephew smoked until he got mad,my brother in law abused it and he got mad up to this day.
I support this move. It is a natural herb and too many of our young men are turned into criminals and jailed by the court over a spliff. No work and frustration, leave the youth alone. 5000 youths, their friends and family should match to the parliament smoking weed and demand legalisation for personal use.
there is a big difference between decriminalization and legalization
:
with the first option we will give a boulevard to the traffic and the gangsters, and we wont have any control of the business generate.
but with a ” State control ” business, you control the production , the sales, you know to who you are going to sell. you will create job, you will create revenue for the state as we can imagine that the government can issue or sell ” retail licenses” and you eradicate the traffic, the drug dealer and the violence that goes with it.
And whom will the government favour with such licences? Will they be available to all or only to their cronies as a licence to print money?
Should this happen , you think people without a licence will not grow their little weed clandestinely? Think very carefully before instituting such a system. Either you let all farmers grow marijuana freely or not at all. Ohterwise you will end up with organised crime in collusion with government.
I would throw my support behind this. We can do that in a way that it won’t hurt the youths. Although it will be tricky but we have to think if through and take our time looking at the pros and cons. For Example putting and age limit on it and this would carry on to alcohol which would make things much much better for the youths. Then we would need to INCREASE the penalty for cocaine and other harder drugs. There are major health benefits in using marijuana the right way, so I am all for it. I think we have to look at things both ways and with strong laws, things would work out.
These same graduating youths will soon experience the herb and they will become criminals just for having one pliff, so i think i understand the Parl Reps point
A speech like this – if it belongs anywhere – should be limited to an academic setting where it can be discussed and debated among peers.
To deliver this to a LIFE SKILLS GRADUATION CEREMONY for young people is appalling.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
Reverend, go and get work to do. Chupes. What causes more deaths each year? The smoking and use of the illegal marijuana or accidents and mishaps caused by drunkenness after consuming legal alcohol? Stop being a hypocrite. And no, I’m not a smoker.
I am with Steve on this issue
Isaac, number one – is that your PERSONAL VIEW or is that the general view of the UWP? Number two, you chose the wrong forum to discuss such a topic, you should be encouraging the youths present to use their newly acquired SKILLS to advance themselves and stay away from all drugs including alcohol and cigarettes… I am extremely DISSAPPOINTED IN YOU ON THAT!!!!! Thirdly and lastly, “I’m saying in short term, we could even look at a policy that could be written where we could ask the judicial system to consider a suspended sentence for anybody who is found with a small joint or a small spliff in their hand, where the suspended sentence would give a mandatory attachment in a special program of the Youth Division, for personal development,” he suggested. WTF is that? Boss man the Courts do NOT operate from written policies it MUST BE WRITTEN LAWS!!!!!!SMDFH AT YOU
Joseph Isaac may be well meaning but he is also a politician and not ignorant of the fact that such a stance will bring him valuable votes. I take exception though to his view that somehow Black Culture ( as he terms it) lives by social mores that are different from other ethnic groupings. It is demeaning to stereotype us like this. We are exactly the same as other human beings and should be judged accordingly.
Why not just admit you anti grass…
@cbd – Most right-thinking people are anti-grass. After all, grass is supposed to be for cows and beasts of the field.
@Titiwi July 1, 2016
This is probably the first time I have agreed with you–you are right on in that comment.
I have two points to make on this issue.
1. Parliament is the appropriate place to discuss this. If you are truly concerned about preventing smokers like myself, then put the report and plan together (spearhead actions) and raise this issue in the the appropriate arena.
2. Politicians have no respect for Dominicans. RED, BLUE or OTHERWISE. If you are at a graduation giving a speech, shouldn’t you be motivating young people to seek out positive outcomes? I have been smoking since i was 13 (im 29 now), and i am discreet and don’t use it as a symbol of rebellion. I don’t feel scared when i smoking my “one” spliff. Being a menace will get you arrested and have a spliff will get you more time.
“Marijuana has been classified as a ‘Class B’ drug in Dominica meaning that it is illegal to possess, cultivate, or sell the substance.” “He advised against ‘creating criminals’ out of the youth, as first-time offenders because of marijuana.”
I will have to agree with Isaac to a certain extent. The person use and growing for personal consumption should be decriminalized. I guess the powers that be will need to determine what that might look like. Maybe down the line, we may and can cultivate marijuana farms for the purpose of the medical marijuana business. EIther way both need extensive research and public discussions.
#OLD
It is high time to do so and tax the producers just like any other merchant..This will help the economy a lot,but make sure that the environment is rested ,people should not use land any where in order to prevent erosion …
praise god,at last I’m hearing grown up man talking sense as it pertains to this century..we do have adults in DA hallelujah
Sure legalise but regulate the planting and distribution. Limit drastically the authorization to plant, ten parishes, ten people and ten locations where they are allowed to be grown legally. Ban all public smoking including cigarette, while providing an alternate smokers hub in every village. Pass legislature where smoking will be discouraged in homes particularly with children. Who should be having annual randomized screening for std”s and drug metabolites including alcohol. Establish a set age of consent, where consent for sex, eligibility to acquire a drivers licence and eligibility to buy and consume drugs, such as the marijuana, alcohol, cigarettes etc. Then penalise the people who breaks such legislation impacting underage people. Well that’s what I’d like to see happening in relation to this topic.
They can’t even enforce the age restrictions on alcohol consumption you want to give them more work?
I certainly agree. The medicinal purposes are tremendous. I drank a cup of the tea, and it was heavenly, It work wonders for me. Free up the plant, it is the healing of the Nation. PM, I am hoping you will make recreational use, legal soon! One love!
I’ve had morphine and that was heavenly too. Perhaps this highlights the dangers of mind-altering drugs.
decriminalize it tax it and bring in revenue look at Colorado and Jamaica for example…
I can’t believe you actually said ”… look at … Jamaica…”
Have you seen the way marijuana is messing with the heads of young Jamaican pot smokers
I have seen how the weed has contributed to crime in the Jamaican community both in Toronto and Kingston.
No better in Colorado.
Just give them time to catch up and a chance to do the studies.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
Legalization works!: Colorado legalized marijuana two years ago and the sky didn’t fall, after all. More money to spend on education and health. http://www.salon.com/2016/01/06/colorado_anniversary_partner/
@Rational – You should do some prosper research and read some reputable information sites about the negative effects marijuana legalization has brought to Colorado.
Right here on DNO, in the news report re: unfortunate incident involving the young man who has been jailed for 26 years, here’s an excerpt from that report relaying what Doctor Nadia Wallace, Consultant Psychiatrist at the Acute Psychiatric Unit, PMH told the court:
She said that as mandated by “the court,” she examined the prisoner at the State Prison on June 17, 2016, and diagnosed him as suffering from “substance use disorder” characterized by ” heavy marijuana use.”
“Because of his heavy and persistent marijuana use, it caused him behavioral problems socially, ”
James, she said, confessed to smoking five to 10 marijuana joints per day from age 11. She said that he admitted that after he uses marijuana, he would be more aggressive and had to eventually be expelled from school, she said.
This addiction specialist makes a compelling case for the legalization of marijuana http://www.businessinsider.com.au/doctor-thinks-marijuana-should-be-legalized-addiction-2015-3
The case Channel1 refers to occurred under prohibition. Prohibition makes helping anyone with addiction issues more difficult.
Simple facts, it also dulls the senses and brains. Those who ingest it are not able to concentrate properly. They are unable to be studious. Note that James did not complete school. He is a sad case; a waste of a young life to adulthood. If he is still alive, what will happen to him when he completes his sentence and is released from prison?
Salon is not a very credible source but the result hasn’t been the apocalyptic situation that everyone imagined. To be quite fair there have been some negative effects though but after all it’s a drug nobody expected it to have positive effects. Plus people are stupid and will find ways to destroy themselves whatever prohibitions are in place.
“it’s a drug nobody expected it to have positive effects” uhm I see you have been brainwashed by the American propoganda machine way back before AMERICA criminlaized cannabis it was widely used almost everywhere in the world for it’s medicinal benefits, it’s medicinal benefits have been know for years, but America with it’s lies sought to ban it….
“Plus people are stupid and will find ways to destroy themselves whatever prohibitions are in place.”
This will be true for some people who are bent on self destruction. However it will not be the case with all.
This is one more reason why we should not give people another drug to contend with.
It is a proven fact that the more available and easier to obtain a substance is the more it will b used.
This week DNO carried the story of Asher James trial and conviction of a cruel and premeditated murder. The testimony of a court appointed hospital based psychiatrist said his
marijuana smoking had caused the mental illness that was to blame for him committing murder.
We should get this information (about Asher James trial) out to the public. People should be informed about the part marijuana played in the homicide.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
Rational eh? Colorado is no better today than it was prior to this decriminalization. What is their crime rate including murders?
That is true. And I expect time will show an adverse effect.
Did a young person ever become a better student because he or she began smoking marijuana?
Did a man ever become a better employee because he smoked marijuana?
Did a man ever become a better neighbour, husband, or father because he smoked marijuana?
We hear of cannabis curing this or that illness. But in some cases the patient was also using another medication or receiving other treatments as well. Besides this it is known that marijuana
causes certain cancers, lung and breathing problems, and damages the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning making it especially dangerous for students.
Young people who smoke marijuana frequently begin using “harder” drugs, and older smokers more often get involved in criminal activities.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist. (Diploma in Drug Use) (Pastoral Counselor Certificate)
No, No Joseph!!!!!!!!! Come on man, what foolishness you talking dere now nuh. Don’t fall into the “legalize marijuana” nonsense that some delusional entities out there are trying to push.
Marijuana MUST remain illegal. Just look at the numerous negative consequences that marijuana legalization has had on states such as Colorado in the US. Read up the reports on the internet y’all.
Do not legalize marijuana in Dominica or the Caribbean!!!!!!!!
You don’t know what you’re talking about Channel 1.
@Carol Freel – Disprove what I am saying about Colorado and some of the other places that have legalized marijuana nuh.
It is shocking to hear people of government rank in the Caribbean talk about how legalizing marijuana would bring in money.
They are telling us –
If only the laws against the weed were dropped marijuana farms would spring up and give birth to a new and booming industry that would make the nation prosperous.
Think of the money the government would MAKE from licenses, sales tax, and income tax.
Think of the money the government would save by not having to pay room and board to keep offenders in jail!
You foolish people. Do you not realize that it was this very $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ mentality that fueled and drove the slave trade? Now you are asking for the legalization of marijuana with no consideration of the harm it can cause as long as it makes money for the government, and of course enriches others who have no care for the youth or the next generation.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist
oh do you know by being against cannabis you are a racist, because according to the US the use of marijuana causes : “This marijuana causes white women to seek sexual relations with Negroes,”
Marijuana Prohibition Was Racist From The Start!
@Rev. Dr. Donald G. Hill – Greetings. Very good points you have raised.
Here’s an interesting article which highlights a number of the points you raised:
http://www.newsweek.com/unexpected-side-effects-legalizing-weed-339931
It has been reported in some news media that authorities in states such as Colorado are now faced with a number of challenges that marijuana legalization has caused – challenges they claim they did not “foresee” – and there have been calls for other states in the US to apply the brakes on rushing to legalize marijuana.
And how about the sale of bibles Rev? I am sure you are aware of the era of ‘The bible Or the Sword’ that fueled and drove the British Empire/monachy or are you too ashamed to admit it. You may want to look it up.
“You foolish people. Do you not realize that it was this very $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ mentality that fueled and drove the slave trade? Now you are asking for the legalization of marijuana with no consideration of the harm it can cause as long as it makes money for the government, and of course enriches others who have no care for the youth or the next generation.”
Stop being so arrogant. Dominicans are not children, and they’re not fools. And they sure as heck don’t need you to lecture them about the slave trade!
The harm being done by marijuana is overwhelmingly being done by heavy-handed government suppression of it, rather than by the substance itself. The evidence is overwhelming: Anyone who truly cares for the next generation will call for its legalisation.
Weed is a waste of court and police expenses.
Charge dem man for income tax evasion you here. Cultivators should pay a license.
Yes, marijuana arrests are a waste of police time, court time, and a waste of tax payer’s money to (in some cases) provide room and board in jail.
This should be covered by substantial fines paid by those convicted. No way these things should cost the tax payers. Let judges hand down fines big enough to (1) teach them their lesson, (2) discourage others from breaking the law, and (3) cover all the costs!
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
This Rev. Dr. Donald G. Hill always jumping on Dominicans cause when it comes to cannabis, he is from Canada where you can legally obtain it, if it’s so bad move out of your beloved Canada
this was already mentioned in the past by Mr. Ronald Charles quote ” if someone is caught with a spliff more than 3 times then they could serve charges to save the court from wasting time for man/woman caught with just one spliff”.. something like that was mentioned already by Mr.Ronald Charles. Thank you Mr.Isaac to reiterate.
Is that the best Joseph Isaac could come up with at a graduation ceremony. Why not tell the youth how to stay focus in life, the importance of staying away from drugs, the importance of earning a living from legal means etc. What a shame. Guess he is no good example to the youth.
he had nothing good constructive to give, the best he could come up with is legalize marijuana so the student could use with no fear. . Is this a message of encouragement?
lovely dominica:
Many people are asking the same questions and not only in Dominica.
That a man would be allowed to deliver a speech like that to a graduating class of students defies reason.
I don’t care who he is or what his connections are. Those are the minds of other people’s children he is messing with.
Excuse me, but my first thought was “Isn’t there something he can be charged with.”
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
‘Excuse me, but my first thought was “Isn’t there something he can be charged with.”’
If that’s your first thought when someone says something with which you disagree, you’re as bad as the communists.
Either Dominica lacks the proper laws for the authorities to work with or there is a lack of enforcement.
To decriminalize or not to decriminalize is not what troubles so many people. This can be debated. No problem.
But there should a law that would stop an educator from delivering a speech to young people that would give them the impression that marijuana is not harmful. He might as well have called his speech ”Free the Weed”, and encouraged them to have a toke.
This was especially bad in its timing, coming days after a highly credentialed psychiatrist (hospital based and court appointed) testified in court that a man committed a horrific murder
because of years of marijuana smoking. If for no other reason Joseph Isaac is beyond his depth.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
My friend Issac…sorry but Dominicans aren’t in that league and class to discuss such aspects….dem dey lack foresight..
u duh see dominica is the poorest and slowest in the eastern caribbean
tells u allot about the average dominican mindset….
many are foolish, many aren’t sure if God gave them a brain, it won’t happen, as dominicans aren’t interested in growth engines…
that discus can be taken to a more enlightened society as in the rest of the caribbean but …….NOT DOMINICA..
@Whistler – If you claim that Dominica is the poorest and slowest in the Eastern Caribbean, just wait until marijuana is legalized to see how much more poorer and slower Dominica will become.
Some of all you out there seem to believe that the legalization of perversions and detrimental practices is an ideal way for a society to show that it is enlightened. I’m not sure who told you that you & those like you are the measuring sticks by which the enlightenment of a society ought to be gauged & determined. Well I say let Dominica remain unenlightened and ‘foolish’ you hear.
Some of all you are too enlightened for all you own good. As the phrase goes “If you open your mind too much, your brain will fall out”.
Too many people incarcerated for this ridiculous “offense”. It is very expensive to keep a prisoner in jail and nothing is done to encourage them to be good citizens while they’re there. Every other person smokes weed. Should they all be in jail, eating off the government dollar? Ridiculous. Save the space for hardened criminals. It’s time to get over the hysteria surrounding Marijuana and move forward. Concentrate on real crimes, like rape, child abuse, murder, burglary, theft and all the others.
Of course, marijuana could lead to hardened criminals. There would be more than a drug turf and undercover trafficking. What makes you think it will make society better and progressive? I think it would recede it; not even stabilize it.
Note this young man under the influence of marijuana who murdered/bludgeoned a fellowman. He commenced smoking marijuana at the age of 11. Do you need any further examples?
”Concentrate on the real crimes, like …”
Do you not know that these ”real crimes” … (yes, the ones you have mentioned) are often committed by people who are either high on marijuana at the time OR have been mentally impaired by past marijuana use
There is a link between marijuana use and crime.
Marijuana is sold by regular drug dealers along with the other (hard) drugs they sell.
Dealers who sell marijuana often also are found selling illegal guns.
Marijuana dealers often carry illegal guns to protect themselves from robbers who would steal their stash, or other dealers who would horn in on their territory, or to escape the police.
People on a crime binge of violence and murder are often found to be high on marijuana.
Marijuana.
It is associated with crime 
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
Former Licensed Private Investigator under the Province of Ontario in Canada. License number
142306. Diploma in Drug…
Once they do not march to your tune and mentality, they are considered foolish? There is no class and dignity in smoking marijuana and to want it decriminalized..
So who are you referring to, insulting people? God gave everyone brains and some degree of intelligence for them to think rationally for themselves and to make a wise decision. You are the one who has no brains and lack enlightenment.
Some of you want everything immoral and unhealthy legalized. It would be something else if this illegal drug is decriminalized. I visualize Dominica would really go to the pots. It appears it is not far from that with people as Isaac and you who want marijuana decriminalized. If it were, for a small country, I would feel sorry for Dominica and nationals, whether they smoke it or not.
Face the Facts:
I thank you for your common sense comments.
Wasn’t that quite a speech to make before a graduating class of young people
How can anybody get away with that in Dominica 
But for the grace of God I would say the country has crossed the line and reached the place of no return. But God is still on the throne.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
Marijuana is the closest thing I have personally come in contact with that I would classify as a miracle plant. I’m a living testiment to its healing properties.
I would also like to make it abundantly clear that I do not smoke.
How a government can criminalize a natural herb that is able to cure and treat so many ailments brings me close to tears. Must the people continue to suffer while the cure can be made so readily available?!
So let’s ban a natural ‘ingredient’ that will treat a disease that will KILL you because that natural ‘ingredient’ can get you ‘high’ if you just so happen to ‘smoke’ it?? Makes absolutely NO SENSE!!
@Jayson – Since cocaine is extracted from coca leaves, a naturally growing plant and cocaine has quite a number of medical benefits, why don’t you just call for the legalization of cocaine also? Why marijuana alone?
Are you discriminating against and being inconsiderate to the cocaine users out there? After all, the same reasons you put forward to justify the legalization of marijuana can also be put forward to justify the legalization of cocaine.
In addition, it is well documented that when marijuana users develop tolerance to marijuana and no longer get the satisfaction they are looking for from it, they then graduate to more potent drugs such as cocaine to get their high. So if you want marijuana to be legalized, you must have cocaine legalized in conjunction.
lol channel 1 using coca leaves in it’s natural form has no more effect than drinking coffee it’s when you process it and add TONS of chemicals is it dangerous
another brainwashed individual I see
Portugal’s Example: What Happened After It Decriminalized All Drugs, From Weed to Heroin
https://news.vice.com/article/ungass-portugal-what-happened-after-decriminalization-drugs-weed-to-heroin
Well said, sir. It is refreshing to see that some political leaders have the balls to speak out on controversial matters without fear of the repercussions. I fully support that move to less incarceration.
Finally, some common sense on this issue.
Funny things seem to happen to politicians before and after they take office. I can recall the Dame Eugenia Charles pre-office promise to look into legalization of the herb. Freedom took office, nothing, if any, things became worse. Then Skerrit, DBL, brought up the same talk during his campaign. I am not surprised at things now. Skerrit tells you crawl, you’d better fly. Now Workers has a chance in 2019 and beyond, to engage in the cultivation and marketing of a highly lucrative cash crop. The hemp industry will help bring Dominica out of its economic doldrums. That’s fine Labour, we’d prefer if you save the best years for us!
Who will it be sold to? Who will be purchasing it from Dominica? There are more important matters to discuss than marijuana.
I support u 100% Joe. I am not a marijuana smoker but way too many of our young people are being jailed or sanction otherwise for a grass in its natural form that they choose to smoke. I would increase penalty for exporting / importing without a license but it’s no different than tobacco of high leaf. Enough of the darn insanity.
Always Assertive!?
”…no different than tobacco…”
”…no different…” You defend marijuana by saying it is no different than tobacco
Do you know how many people die every year from smoking tobacco
Did you know 50% of all those who smoke tobacco die from a disease caused by tobacco smoke 
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
Contex Re, read in context…
Always Assertive!
more people die from alcohol then cannabis, you know how many people die from cannabis directly, 0 ZERO