The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

The Minnis regime in complicity with the so-called Marijuana Commission, co-chaired by a prominent bishop and a former Assistant Commissioner of Police is set to introduce legislation to approve and regulate the so-called medical marijuana industry.

At the get go I am against any sort of laws that open the door to recreational ganja as will happen under the proposed law. A doctor will be able to prescribe for his/her patients. Bahamians, by and large, are very innovation people. What will legitimately stop some of them from seeking and obtaining a prescription from his/her family or personal physician? Nothing, except perhaps the costs of a medical visit and the dispensing of the prescription?

I am not suggesting that possible fraud may be deployed in obtaining such a prescription, but most have abused the celebrated “sick slip” for decades to avoid going to work. To obtain a sick slip is as easy as apple pie. So I may qualify under the proposed law to purchase 30 days worth of ganja from my favorite pharmacist. I may have some juvenile associates who are pure dope heads. What is to stop me from selling or giving them a bit of my allocated supply? Nothing.

They say that there will be five initial licences. Who will decide who the lucky five are? Who all will be on the licensing board? Will members be from the major political parties and who will appoint them? Will members be paid a stipend and just how much? What will happen to the criminal records of tens of thousands of Bahamians who were convicted; fined and even jailed over the years? Will the Act be retroactive?

The administration is desperate to find all sorts of revenue alternatives. To go this route, however, makes no sense when one considers the collateral damage both materially and mental. I do not subscribe to this cruel and cockeyed scheme to further enhance the growth of marijuana groupies. What is the position of The Bahamas Christian Council on all of this? The silence is deafening.

There are hundreds of alternatives for revenue enhancement. Marijuana is an easy long hanging fruit which is tempting Minnis. I do not agree or support this scheme by the regime. It is mere political posturing and is akin to the Great Smoke Debate. This was not one of the numerous campaign pledges made by the FNM while in opposition. To God then in all things be the glory.

ORTLAND H BODIE, Jr

Nassau,

May 24, 2021.