Church leader on legalization of marijuana: ‘Too many already messed up by drugs’

Government should not permit itself to be pressured into legalizing cannabis,” so says the Reverend Seth Ampadu. Referencing the Cannabis Commission’s final report, the Methodist minister added: “They should take their time to make sure everything is in order, weigh the pros and cons, before deciding. The process should not be rushed.”  In an interview with the STAR on Monday the outspoken religious leader made it clear he does not support the legalizing of marijuana at this time.  

Formed in August, the Commission is expected to deliver a report advising on a regulatory framework for cannabis by year-end. Seven town hall meetings were convened between November 26 and December 9. All were poorly attended. From its inception Andre de Caires had considered the Cannibis Commission a “waste of time and money”, arguing that there is already a pathway to legalization outlined by CARICOM’s marijuana commission, a report from Malaysian consultants PEMANDU, and a white paper courtesy the Cannabis Movement of which is the chairman. 

At the end of the final town hall get-together, Commission chairman Michael Gordon QC and fellow commissioner de Caires agreed the general consensus after seven meetings was pro-legalization. With the Commission’s report soon to be submitted, de Caires told the press this week: “If by January next year nothing is done, seeing that everything is directing to full legalization, we at the Cannabis Movement intend to protest in a more serious manner. The annual 420 marches were basically marches of celebration. We were really celebrating the plant, not actually marching in protest. But depending on what happens next, we’re going to have to really protest the inability of this government to make a move.” 

Poor attendance at the Commission’s meetings has been blamed on ineffective advertising. Ampadu told the STAR he had no knowledge of the meetings or he would have attended to voice his concerns.  He said the activists for legalization were too focused on potential profit and not enough on possible consequences.  “I think we should not rush; we need to take our time and first put in place appropriate measures for the protection of our young people who are already messed up by drug abuse. The government must be careful not to make matters worse,” said Ampadu. On the other hand, he supports the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. Finally: “If it is to be legalized, I hope the government will tell Saint Lucians why they decided to go in that direction.”