By Makeda Mikael
Antigua’s Cannabis laws were based on the wrong premise that exports would be easy, and that Banks would accept revenues from cannabis. Whereas, cannabis is still a drug on the United Nations list of prohibited drugs and prevents its movement across borders, and stops banks from allowing its services to be used in the budding soft drug’s economic rise.
Accepting that the older generation of alcohol consumers got introduced to the economic possibilities of the cannabis revolution worldwide, Government jumped on the idea before serious research and feasibility studies could point them in the correct direction. We now find ourselves expecting overseas returns when we can only muster a local response to the economics of cannabis.
Most of the investors that descended on Antigua hoping to be first to break through the market have now petered out as some have found safe welcome in St. Vincent and other islands. It is said that products are now marketed locally in neighboring islands. Meanwhile in Antigua the law of four trees and 14 grams was initially set up to pacify the Rastafari communities who had for the past fifty years been vilified, beaten and imprisoned for the same Ganga.
Soon the laws for the economic development of cannabis were drawn up with much fanfare and consultations and poems to Rastafari, and with the expectation of rich investors the Government hastened to cost the licenses based on anticipated investors profits.
Now with the investors nonexistent, the law falls heavily on the poor Antiguans who would venture into cannabis trade in which most of their family would not invest a cent. Only Rastafari and the children of the rich want to grow and develop the cannabis trade, and whereas the children of the rich can depend on their status and money, Rastafari are definitely not of the monied class. As a result their ability to monetize their 50 year knowledge and experience means nothing when facing those humongous license fees which were meant for the rich investors (who not coming yet).
The Antigua Cannabis law needs to be repealed in its totality and start over recognizing that we only control our own border, so export is dependent on international regulations which target ‘drugs.’ And further, the global banking system will not permit the use of their systems in banking the ‘proceeds of crime’ all which continue to be an impediment to international trade.
The Antigua Cannabis law is voluminous and makes sure that Rastafari cannot make any money from their ‘holy herb’ production. Additionally the accounting that goes with the ‘sacrament’ license is enough to employ a cannabis book-keeper of every seed, leaf and bud. Add the many hidden costs, and it is impossible for any local person except for the children of the rich to be legal growers. And worse, the children of the rich have the protection of their parents and their status where they are never harassed by police, nor jailed for anything. The poor are always with us and the treatment of them has not changed.
If the Government really respected Rastafari they would have recognized their last fifty years of growing, using and transferring cannabis throughout the island, and asked the leaders of the Rastafari community to lead the charge in Antigua’s brand new industry. Cannabis has always been respected by Rastafari as ‘the healing of the nation’ while the Government, when ignorant of the money cannabis could raise, used police to terrorize Rastafari for their ‘holy herb.’ The Cannabis law is flawed and must go!
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The Rastafarians needed legal representation to respond to the law and have their interest included. It’s sad that the government would exclude local grassroots interest that will keep revenue circulated locally. Another missed opportunity that was not strategically planned or initiated. There are still addendum that can made to address the lack of inclusion and update the business model. I do hope the Rastafarians have raised the capital and have proper business infrastructure to move forward and maintain their share of the industry. The banks in Colorado and California are still working on a system to handle the amount of money from the dispensaries. This is another area that the government need to consider in structuring/implementing the cannabis law.
All the marijuana are being sold to our children. They heart specialist today said as a result of the amount of weed smoking we are having an increase in heart conditions. People in their 20’s are getting heart attacks smoking related. She said when asked what do they smoke the reply is marijuana.
But but but I thought the herb a de healing a de nayshan??? (GASP)
It just turns the people of the nation into a buch of mindless zombies, some of whom are dangerous. What is going on here!!!
That’s not marijuana, it sounds like vaping where chemicals are inhaled that cause heart and lung problems. Maybe if positive examples are set and open conversations with “our children” are held they would refrain from developing bad habits. Marijuana does not cause heart problems. Its for medicinal and recreation use for adults and children when regulated. Alcohol and cigarettes are regulated and legal for use, so why not marijuana…😒
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