Letter to the Editor - Legalise marijuana – Yes or No? |24 May 2017

I was born and raised in a family where the fundamental principles of life’s ethical behaviour were instilled in us, children; and there was ‘zero tolerance’ to alcohol and cigarettes. We were groomed and brought up spiritually and today we stand a world-apart when it comes to cigarettes – withstanding ‘drugs’ as a dangerous intake for children!

I was glued to my screen on Wednesday May 17, 2017, for SBC’s intense ‘Dyalog An Direk’ debate on the subject ‘Legalise marijuana or not?’ It was a very enriching debate which brought a lot of light on the cannabis/marijuana issues of which I surely believe will lead to a Nation referendum, should we decide to take it to the people to ‘Legalise marijuana’- Yes or NO?

Is Seychellois going to legalise 'cannabis/marijuana' within the 'New Seychelles'? I have my reservations on this stance and in lieu of National Unity, one has to think of the future generations of Seychelles, what are we preparing for our children is a pertinent issue of discussion/debate. Let us put Seychelles first, before we think of our political play and personal achievements and let us bind our decisions on the facts of creation. Will GOD approve such legalisation? Most often we ignore the fact that we have to ask GOD for guidance in making decisions, especially strategic decisions that will affect the lives of our people, our country, our motherland and more notably – our destiny… In reference to Genesis 1:29, a lot of people will rest their laurels on the fact that: ‘God created seed-bearing plants, trees that have fruit with seed in it, as food for us’. Yet, we ignore the fact that all these food should be used in its righteous manner and not to be diverted to the sinful implications of their usage. On the other scope of Creation, one has to acknowledge that we also have inedible plants and fruits that we do not consume or even dare to eat. This is cause for a debate in itself, but alternatively, as per the ‘YES’ corner of Wednesday May 17, 2017’s ‘Dyalog An Direk’ – I have no objection in welcoming marijuana as a controlled medical drug of which will bear custody of the Ministry of Health and of which will be prescribed by a proficient physician. In the spirit of National Unification, I call on the Seychellois people and the Government to lead our focus on the medical aspect of ‘cannabis/marijuana’, for the benefit of our Nation heading towards a common destiny for the prosperity of our people. Remember – where Seychelles win, its people are winners!!!

However, if as per the ‘NO’ corner of last week’s ‘Dyalog An Direk’, the people of Seychelles decide to ‘legalise cannabis/marijuana’, then we ought to be prepared for another kind of internal war, that we may not be able to deal with in the near future. With all due respect, and in respecting others’ opinions, I will personally object to approve the legalisation of cannabis/marijuana (the illicit drug) for leisure intake, personal cultivation and as a trading business venture.

And you reader, what is your thought on the issue on legalisation of cannabis/marijuana in the ‘New Seychelles’? Before you ever vote in a referendum – think of your children’s future. I provide below one of the links on the drug-facts or marijuana for your perusal, analysis and appraisal of the topic on the National table to date: https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana

Jacob Terence Madeleine, ACSI

Writer, National Unity Advocate

Disclaimer

The views expressed in this letter are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Seychelles NATION newspaper.