Skerrit Wants More Debate On Marijuana Issue

ROSEAU, Dominica, March 11 2015 – Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says he is not completely sold on the idea of decriminalising small amounts of marijuana as regional countries debate the issue.

“What do you do with the excess, and you don’t want to be encouraging the trafficking of this drug to other countries and what would be your relationship with the rest of the world,” Skerrit said.

Prime Minister Skerrit said it is not just about legalising the drug, but “it is about having a serious discussion and allowing different views to contend and let us see what is the best way forward.

“But I think it is important for us to look at taking small steps with regards to the marijuana issue,” said.

Last month, Barbados Prime Minister Freundel Stuart said that Caribbean leaders had established a committee to examine all issues of the marijuana debate since regional countries would not want to wake up one morning and have to be importing marijuana from the United States where the product has been decriminalised in some states.

Stuart, who will take over the chairmanship of the regional grouping in July, told reporters that “there has been a concern if we remain asleep too long, when we in fact wake up from our slumber we will be importing marijuana from the United States of America rather than making effective use of our own”.

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