PM ANNOUNCES NATIONAL COMMISSION ON GANJA

Prime Minister P J Patterson yesterday announced government's decision to
establish a broad-based national commission to review the use of ganja in
Jamaica, with a specific focus on whether the weed should be decriminalised
for use in defined circumstances and specific conditions.

A Jamaica House statement said the commission was being established "in
response to long and considerable debate regarding the use of ganja in
Jamaica."

The chairperson and members of the commission would be announced next wee,
the statement said.

"A variety of views have been expressed on the advisability of allowing the
possession of specified quantities of ganja, by adults within private
premises. There have also been proposals for the substance to be sanctioned
for use as a sacrament for religious purposes," it continued.

Concerns of the use of ganja on health and patterns of social behavior and
implications for the economy and possible effects on crime and security,
would also be in the ambit of the commission's deliberations.

Patterson said the commission would also consider various international
treaties to which Jamaica subscribes, and how any changes could affext
existing legislations.

Patterson said the commission would be expected to engage in dialogue with
relevant interest groups and undertake wide public consultations in order to
guide a national approach.

It will also review any documentary evidence on the specific opinions about
its medicinal qualities.

Is addition, it would be expected to recommend legislative changes as well
as diplomatic initiatives and security considerations, which should be
implemented.

It would also make recommendations for programmes of public information
ariing from its recommendations.

The commission is expected to finalise its report within a maximum period of
nine months.

"In the meantime, until the final report is received and acted upon, all
existing laws on the use of ganja will remain in place and will be
enforced," Patterson said in a statement.

"Countries, all over the world, are forced to give consideration to the
complex but delicate issues of social, economic, cultural and security
policies which relate to the issue of ganja. Jamaica can be no exception."