{"id":344640,"date":"2025-07-11T10:01:03","date_gmt":"2025-07-11T14:01:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/?p=344640"},"modified":"2025-07-11T10:01:03","modified_gmt":"2025-07-11T14:01:03","slug":"use-cannabis-wisely-not-for-what-we-know-as-a-high-melissa-poponne-skerrit-says","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/homepage\/homepage-carousel\/use-cannabis-wisely-not-for-what-we-know-as-a-high-melissa-poponne-skerrit-says\/","title":{"rendered":"‘Use cannabis wisely, not for what we know as a high’ – Melissa Poponne-Skerrit says"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"
Parliamentary Representative of the Roseau Central Constituency Melissa Poponne- Skerrit<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Individuals are being encouraged to use cannabis wisely, \u201cnot for what we know as a high\u201d, but for its healing properties.<\/p>\n

This call came from Parliamentary Representative for the Roseau Central Constituency, Melissa Poponne-Skerrit, while addressing the opening ceremony of a two-day National Cannabis Symposium which took place at the State House Conference Centre from July 9-10.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis natural plant carries so many health benefits, and it is time we use it wisely. Not just for what we know as a high, but to bring comfort, healing, and dignity to those who need it the most,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

According to Poponne-Skerrit, without losing sight of the historical use of marijuana in Dominica and the Caribbean Region for religious and recreational use, the traditional use and treatment of this plant had led to centuries of focus only on the negative effects associated with its use as a recreational drug.<\/p>\n

“But today, we have this opportunity to now shift our attention to the hidden less promoted benefits of cannabis as we endeavour to create a balance between the social and the legal impasse that has plagued the region, on the basis that cannabis has been treated as a scheduled drug with a high potential for abuse, illegal business trade and no current acceptable medical use,” she said.<\/p>\n

She continued,\u00a0 “Such classification has had a major negative impact on our youth and has significantly reduced \u00a0the ability of the general population to associate cannabis \u00a0as a major contributor to the rich array of health \u00a0and wellness benefits that [arise] out of Dominica.”<\/p>\n

As Dominica ventures into its use for medical purposes, it is important that it is \u00a0regulated properly, \u201cand we cannot [turn] a blind eye to the relief \u00a0that it brings.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCannabis oil may not be a cure for cancer, but it plays a powerful role in managing pain, especially those nearing the end of their life,\u201d Poponne-Skerrit noted. \u201cAnd this is why we must understand the purpose behind what God has created.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"
Health Minister Cassanni Laville addressing cannabis symposium<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Meanwhile, Health Minister Cassanni Laville said this symposium is not just timely, \u201cit is absolutely essential.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDominica is on the threshold of bold reform, ” he stated. “Our government is carefully exploring the development of national cannabis legislation that is evidence-based, socially just, and economically sustainable. We are not starting from scratch.\u201d<\/p>\n

Legally, Laville pointed out that Dominica has already taken important steps by decriminalizing small quantities for personal use.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat has been enacted,\u201d he said.\u201cWork has also begun on the establishing of the framework for [a] regulated medical cannabis industry with an emphasis on research, cultivation, quality, control, and also \u00a0to look at its export potential.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Minister for Health, Wellness, and Social Services, he believes that public health and safety must remain the bedrock of cannabis reform in Dominica.<\/p>\n

\u201cCannabis reform holds real promise for [the] healthcare sector, \u00a0especially in expanding patient care, reducing health costs, and promoting innovation,\u201d he emphasized.\u201cMedical cannabis opens doors \u00a0to new therapeutic options for patients \u00a0suffering from conditions such as epilepsy, \u00a0multiple sclerosis, \u00a0chronic pain, \u00a0glaucoma, and side effects of chemotherapy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Furthermore, he added that Dominica is excited about the\u00a0expansion of research and development right here in Dominica.<\/p>\n

\u201cCannabis regulation allows us to develop robust clinical research programs in partnership with regional and international universities,\u201d Laville stated.<\/p>\n

He is of the view that with proper certification pathways, \u201cwe can empower young \u00a0professionals \u00a0and redirect vocational training \u00a0into emerging \u00a0high-impact fields for our people.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFinally, and very importantly, this is an opportunity to integrate traditional and formal health systems.\u00a0 Many of our rural communities rely heavily on herbalists and community leaders. \u00a0Individuals have vast experience that can and should be regulated, \u00a0supported, and included in our national vision for health and wellness,\u201d he added. \u201cWe must not sideline them, we must validate and strengthen their rules.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Individuals are being encouraged to use cannabis wisely, \u201cnot for what we know as a high\u201d, but for its healing properties. 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