Parliamentary Representative for the Roseau Central Constituency, Joseph Isaac, has again called for the decriminalization of marijuana to be discussed in Parliament.
In his presentation to the 2016-2017 National Budget debate on Wednesday evening, Issac introduced the controversial topic as “an economic and a fiscal issue,” and asked Parliamentarians to consider the potential of the decriminalization of the herb.
“It is both an economical and a fiscal issue. The potential for research and economic opportunities is available,” he explained. “So, we must consider, at this point in time, bearing in mind that the Prime Minister has already traveled to CARICOM, held meeting, discussion, I think it is time for us to bring the matter to Parliament with a subcommittee to discuss the matter of decriminalization.”
He noted that several countries, such as Canada, Colombia, Netherlands, Uruguay, Romania, and France have already legalized the possession of marijuana, while many others have legalized its use for medical purposes.
Earlier this month, Isaac urged Parliamentarians to seriously consider decriminalizing marijuana, with a view to keep young first-time offenders out of jail. He suggested a short-term policy whereby the judicial system would consider a suspended sentence for such offenders.
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, to lift some restrictions. However, he emphasized that the government was not prepared to completely remove the ban on the use of the herb.
In July 2014, the CARICOM Conference of Heads of Government mandated the Secretary General of CARICOM to established a “Marijuana Commission” which would, inter alia, “examine the social, economic, health and legal issues surrounding the various aspects of Marijuana use in the Caribbean and its implications, and make recommendations to the Conference”.
The Commission is headed by Professor, Rose-Marie-Bell Antoine, Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus.
Marijuana has been classified as a ‘Class B’ drug in Dominica, meaning that it is illegal to possess, cultivate, or sell the substance.
My uncle was given 14 months to live when the Doctor finds out that his body cannot take Chemo anymore. ever since then, the family have been in pain knowing that they where going to loose a precious son that was just 23 years old to Cancer of the lungs. my mother did a lot of research when she found out that cannabis oil was the cure all medication for cancerous diseases, that was highly guaranteed to cure all cancers and other various diseases. my mother bought the Hemp oil for my uncle and he has just completed his treatment 3 weeks back. his latest test result indicated that his cancer has been gone without a single trace in his system. Thanks to Dr Juanita Miron where the Hemp oil was purchase. For all those suffering from cancer and other various diseases with no where left to go, contact and purchase your cannabis oil.
This really is a miracle to the new generation
I wish he had pulled one of the ruling party guys aside and convince them to co-sponsor a bill, instead of going it alone which will be construed as his party’s platform. You know the guys he is tying to persuade, coming from an opposition guy they are more likely to brush him and the idea aside even though they admit privately that it is a great idea. But if they are scared they should embrace it and save face by telling their voters that it was Isaac’s idea not theirs. It’s smart, it can work.
Not decriminalization, just completely legalize it. Too many of our youth are imprisoned or owing gov’t thousands of dollars for just marijuana. It’s stupid. It’s stupid following the Americans on this while they are legalizing it one state at a time.
Thanks for raising it, but because you are in the opposition it stands a big chance of being put on the back burner. Then again, you are all politicians so many will question your motives.
BLACK JACK, Say no to the government of Dominica please do not listen to all that bobohaha legalising Marijuana it is all rubbish some workers party supporters are all reptiles they could not put 1+2and see what comes out as it is today so what are the chances tomorrow? No to legislation Mj in Dominica you lots can all go to hell.
Monkey see, Monkey do. Dominica stand on your own for what you beleive. Why go by what others are doing even if it is going to hurt you in the long run. Just because France, USA and others are legalizing you don’t have to. Think for your self. Ganja and it’s use is a gateway to other drugs. Way papa a bunch of people without their own brains.
You are so right. It is Monkey See, Monkey do, which made Marijuana illegal in the first case. It was the US and its marijuana policy (which was base on racism) that made it illegal in the US and subsequently on the UN list of illegal drugs. You see, what was hidden from wise and prudent is now being revealed to the babes. Open your eyes
It continues to amaze me how naively you follow the monkey see/do view of this as a gateway drug when you continue to use the number one gateway drug alcohol. Are you now gone past alcohol and you are now on heroine or you’ve become a meth-head due to your use of this legal gateway drug, or is your family heavily invested in sales of that legal drug alcohol? We haven’t heard u say a thing about it, even though you’ve had ample opportunity to do so.
YES LORD,YES LORD,YES LORD,YES YES LORD! the BIG GUNS ON THE HIDING whilst the small people taking the wrap. Bring out more of your associates and the big time buyers and lets talk. We cannot talk while others are on hiding. Give us some names and only now we might consider your option. only the hard workings getting caught. bring in the big ones and lets talk.
This is a wonderful opportunity for the country to go down the sustainable path. Dominica can have a significant opportunity sited between Martinique and Guadeloupe this is an open market that can be tapped. Let’s explore the opportunities with this by taking the first step forward in the region and make this a significant business opportunity.
This is an excellent idea, whose time is long overdue. Our natural volcanic soil coupled with high annual rainfall puts us in an excellent position to lead the decriminalization of marijuana. We can go a step further and market “Marijuana Tourism” as well. Think of the economic benefits that the island would reap with such a venture. We could create employment and revenue for hundreds of our young men and women. A cooperative would be a great idea to ensure that the economic and monetary proceeds fall into the hands of those who really need it, instead of the greed elites who try and dominate such a venture.
Better to work at an honorable job, learn a legitimate trade, or start a company providing needed goods or services.
I do not believe that Dominicans have sunk so low the only way they can pull themselves up is to farm and sell marijuana. Once they hit that place you will see the introduction of other products and professions on the island you don’t want your children or grandchildren exposed to. There are better things you can do that will make Dominica the nation you want it to be.
A number of nations have been mentioned where marijuana has been or is being decriminalized or made legal. A close study may show that this is an unhealthy trend. And it IS a trend because once a nation starts in that direction it does not stop there. Those nations have already legalized – or are talking about legalizing – other things you would NOT want legalized in Dominica.
Go preach that to your self..Fake !
It looks to some as if Joseph Isaac is seeking to decriminalizing marijuana to gain votes and further his
political career.
There is still a bad taste lingering from his decision to press for decriminalization at a students’ graduation celebration. What ever other event he might have presented his case for decriminalization many felt this was simply not the place to do it.
It seems the best argument that can be put forth to decriminalize is they don’t want young people put in jail for possessing a small amount, especially if it is a first time offence. This is easy to solve. Simply don’t put them in jail. Make the offence something less than jail. Let it not be a lifetime “criminal” record that
would wipe out their future educational or career opportunities.
People should be informed of the potential harm that can result from smoking marijuana. When a politician is sufficiently driven to decriminalize marijuana he has reason enough not to tell you of its negative…
When a politician is sufficiently driven to decriminalize marijuana he has reason enough not to tell you of its negative effects.
Long time marijuana smoking is known to contribute to certain cancers.
It causes some lung and breathing problems.
It damages a part of the brain responsible for memory and learning. For this reason it has been known to cause a drop in grades for students. Heavy pot smokers more often drop out of college or university before graduation.
Reverend Hill thanks as always, for your input; but do not worry about it. I am sure that Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit is a man who looks to God\’s guidance throughout his works–he may not be perfect, but God knows that also
It is not PM Skerrit\’s perfection that is put to work, but His on own, through our PM, on behalf of His God fearing people in Dominica. What God has planned for Dominica and the welfare of her people, that is what will be initiated; and I don\’t see the decriminalizing of Marijuana as part of this plan–not ever!
The processed foods you eat on contribute to ‘certain cancers’ and cause much worse medical conditions. All the negative things you have stated are not as bad as the effects of chronic use of alcohol and or tobacco. Yet we see no campaign to make these illegal – on the contrary, we are quite happy to cash in on these products.
Marijuana being illegal puts us a major economical disadvantage, while we allow foreign products to benefit from our economy. Its self defeating!
Marijauna has the potential to single handedly kick start the Dominican economy. Our environment makes it easy to mass produce and by being the first in the caribbean to embrace it, we would cash in on the tourism it attracts. Marijuana tourism is highly profitable in the netherlands and they do not have half the production potential that we have. We are selling ourselves short by continuing to treat this natural plant in such a taboo way.
Donald, get a life and cut the out-dated crap you been spewing on DNO at every opportunity.
They said the same about Colorado but are yet to see every school child smoking it, nor everyone falling like flies when Marijuana was legalized, as you are making it part of your campaign. It’s not that big of a deal. You are just repeating what originators of reefer madness in the US thru Your deacon has taught you to say. You need to smoke some weed, not a whole lot, just a wee bit, then come on here and comment. Try it! It hasn’t hurt anyone and it won’t hurt you, not the big deal padna.
What is the DD for?
maybe….Dumb Duck 
…stop spreading false propaganda 
…you are in fact committing a sin by LYING about ganja…. you belong in hell 
It probably stands for “Doctor of Divinity”, but I’d be fascinated to hear from what institution he earned a doctorate.
..but think of the opportunity in Tourism for ganja cultivation and sampling ..Tourists would by pass all the sand and see and come to Dominica’s Mountains..
Rev please tell us what you think about the effects of alcohol and cigarette smoke and what they do to a human body.
Reverand Donald Hill can you please answer my question from earlier today?…….. And fyi there are no medical benefits from alcohol or tobacco, but there are proven medical benefits of marijuana through scientific research. So please tell me how the things that can do more harm to the human body are legal, but a herb that can help someone that is struggling with pain from diseases be illegal? Btw sir alcohol is a gateway drug.
What I think about alcohol and cigarette smoke and what they do to the human body is only what is already known
The problem is not that people don’t know. The problem is they don’t care.
Alcohol and tobacco are both very harmful substances. Neither of these should have been licensed for production and sale. If what is now known about alcohol and especially tobacco had been know back in the day it is highly unlikely that either one would have been approved for production and sale.
Unfortunately governments now are arguing for the decriminalization of marijuana by reminding us of all the nations that have ALREADY decriminalized it
My answer is “YES 
THE SAME AS THEY LET TOBACCO BE LEGAL.”
All the potential damage of marijuana is not yet known. Recently a joint study done by two university based medical schools showed that smoking the weed damages a part of the brain that is responsible for memory and learning and is especially dangerous for students.
Do you really want marijuana to be the thing people come to Dominica for?
Are these the kind of people you want coming to your island?
Once this is the case they will be coming for others things that accompany the drug culture.
Illegal marijuana is already rampant and has not helped the people of Dominica. If it is decriminalized it will be more available and more people will be using.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
Sorry, Rev Donald, but when something is illegal, it becomes more interesting and more people will want to try it, its human nature
Donald, you are yet to say anything about the great rum they come to Dominica for, wha happen, are you and family/associates heavily invested in the rum business? Please rant.
Holland tried that. They got so many American ganjaheads clogging the border cities, they’ve started trying to control them.
Promoting ganja as a tourist industry is no way to run a country.
Yes it’s the small fry you have to start with because leave the small fry long enough he will grow to become a drug lord. And without the small fry doing all the dirty work the drug lord cannot survive because you will not find him getting his hands dirty…that’s what the small fry for.
It is simply a flower/fruit plant people. A plant god created. not a substance but a plant
Always talking and saying nothing… Blah blah blah
He left out Ireland and Portugal also the largest exporters of Hemp and Hemp products in the world are Russia and China. There are also many States in the US where Marijuana is legal as well as those where its use for medical treatment is approved.
The fact that many youth are getting criminal records over minor possession is sad becasue it ruins their job prospects and in fact will cause people that cannot find work to commit crime.
In the long term both Hemp and Marijuana legalization if properly managed will benefit the country economically and the region as well.
Some countries can’t even learn by experience because they are too proud to learn from the mistakes of the past.
Ireland and Portugal both have a big problem with alcohol.
Russia has a huge problem with alcohol especially among their heads of state which is reflected in the decisions they make.
I can’t comment on China and alcohol because I do not have the needed information. What I can tell you is China years ago was victimized by opium and that big time. They did not have the national intelligence to avoid being caught in the net of this dreadful drug.
The pleasure of getting high and/or the love of money eclipses reason and takes over people’s lives.
It is such a shame when we see this happening to politicians, especially national leaders. Many don’t smoke themselves but they will cater to the vote for the sake of advancing their careers.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist. (Diploma in Drug Studies) (Pastoral Counselor Certificate).
Legalise it yeah. Am all for it
Dominica please do something big by legalizing the plant. It would bring so much exposure to our Island. I live in the USA for almost 13 years and i can count on one hand the number of people who know where Dominica is. The rest think I am referring to Domonican republic? Legalize the plant and let the whole world know about us so money can start flowing in our country. Provid the young people with more jobs and our young men especially with better opportunities so they don’t have to commit so much crime and be killed in our neighbor island Quadaloupe. They so much want more than what is being done. Our Island is already everything we could ask for, just expose it to the world with something they are already enjoying. The Ganga!!!! You will not regret it !!
Dominica is alway far behind the rest of the world, the Denish parlament just voted to legalise weed for a 5years period, why? because for close to 40 years they have spend millions of dollars in the fight against the weed, but yet to make a dent in any way, so they think its time for a new strategy, I think it the same in Dominica
I was watching Mr Isaac last night. He was a very polished speaker and delivered a clear list of policy suggestions (many more than just this one), with passion and without maypwee. It was very professional.
I certainly support this initiative… Our present Caribbean Leaders are weak and is only capable of leap service.
Lets take advantage of the many uses of this plant before big pharma patent the seeds & specific breeds.
Make sure you invite the Attorney General to be part of the discussion. I commend Mr Joseph for this initiative. We are cowards if we allow fear and propaganda to dictate how we are able to benefit and progressively use this plant to build our nation.
in 2014 the PH mentioned what he mentioned to get people to vote. he said what thousands wanted to hear. Shortly after Levi Peter the attorney general emphatically said that under no circumstances will it be legalized or decriminalized; not under his watch. So there are conflicts/lies in stories given by the authorities,
I am a born again believer but support Joseph Isaac’s call this time. I mean why should a person be brutalized and made a criminal for planting or smoking ganja? Why should a person be denied a visa because he was given a criminal record for weed especially when the rest of the world is pushing to legalize it for health purposes? I believe as country that is blessed with rich fertile soil our government should push to decriminalize ganja and look for markets for farmers. That is for sure better than selling our passports to all crooks and criminals under the sun
@My Bad July 28, 2016
Dear born again believer, all that you people are looking at the punishment that the young people suffer; a person like you should understand that you don\’t get punished unless you disobey the Law, that is why those who get punished are doing–they know that they are disobeying the Law.
And why do they nurture the weed in secret places? To earn dirty money or to use it as a substance–but intention is illegal.
And as far as the use of it, as a substance for the first time, this will motivate a practice to no end but laziness and the other bad habits that comes with it. Have you heard the saying: \”One drink was too many but a thousand was not enough\”? That is the reason the first timer should be stopped immediately.
Graceful&WiseLiving4Elohim:
Thank you for speaking out with common sense and substance!
We need more like yourself who can be trusted because they have no vested interest, nothing to gain, no votes to win, just a caring heart, and a burden to share. There are others of course and I thank each and every one of you!
People keep making your voice heard for righteousness and the good of the nation. Let your PM and you MPs know where you stand. And above all pray for your leaders and their families.
Like you said in your last paragraph. It is not marijuana alone we are concerned about. It does not stand alone. It is the “laziness and the other bad habits that come with it”.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
IT is high time to legalize marijuana.I have bed sheets ,dresses,kitchen towels, perfume,oil,shampoo and seeds that i buy on line to make oil ,a few drops of this oil prevents epileptic seizure ,there is no need to spoil people’s children by sending them to jail for a plant which was created by God,Dominica’s system needs updating ,countries where people were punished so severely for marijuana are allowing the public to use it ..Tampons are now on sale here in England which are made of marijuana substance to prevent period pains ,,,legalize marijuana ,tax growing to improve the economy…
Common sense will tell you it is not the medicinal use of marijuana we are talking about.
I have never condemned research into the medical use of cannabis. But marijuana should only be used for medicinal purposes on the advice and under the guidance of a licensed physician.
The problem I have found is that the people who say they use it for medicinal reasons smoked it before they even became ill. They were toking before anybody even suggested the weed had medical value. Now they are glad for an excuse to use the stuff, and in some cases to purchase it at a reduced price with a prescription or a letter from their doctor.
It is all about honestly. And it is not honesty that is driving this market.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill, D.D.
We need to rid ourselves from the the misery of inferiority complex, for too long we have been followers. Dominica is the nature Isle, a land rich in fertile soil. The Almighty has blessed us with all the healing plants, canabis is one of them. Why do we continue to press our brothers for what the Almighty has blessed us with? We follow all stupid styles, like wearing hats like the Queen of England, while denying our true identity. Why don’t the women wear African attire to the House? I bet you we are too ashamed of our identity but quick to embrace that which is foreign and looks horrible. We must put an end to this and start accepting our identity. The weed will always be here, no matter how much the sell outs try to destroy it. The Almighty is the most powerful. This is one written law that MUST be taken off the books. I am just about to have a cup of the tea, legalize the herb!