The current move to decriminalise the use of certain amounts of marijuana is perhaps music to the ears of those who engage in using this substance for whatever reason, but beneath the surface there appears to be hidden political motives based on what is popular and not what is best for this Island and its people.

Marijuana, pot, joint, spliff or whatever term is used to describe this substance derived from a plant has become so popular, especially with the younger generation, that many adults seem reluctant to speak out one way or the other, fully aware that alcohol, which is legal, is even more devastating when abused by the user. It creates a double standard in society, and fuels debate that something is unfair in how this problem is handled by the authorities.

Heavy use of alcohol has destroyed many lives around the world and continues to cause damage to families with countless tragic stories. In fact the effect of alcoholism is used often in courts by defendants with the words: “Sorry I had been drinking”. Nevertheless, that product remains legal and those who support the use of marijuana, which of course is an intoxicant, feel slighted by the justice system.

If marijuana had no significant effect on the brain and the body there would be no demand for the substance, and debate over decriminalising small amounts would not exist. Because of its heavy use in Bermuda the subject becomes extremely delicate as our population is small compared to other countries, and merely mentioning the topic could be offensive to a friend or relative.

In the United States debate continues over whether to legalise marijuana, since it is so heavily used despite warnings from many in the medical profession that to do so could create further problems with addiction at levels never seen before. One doctor discussing the issue conceded that alcohol is a serious problem, but pointed out that opening the door to marijuana would not be a positive move. He stressed that he had seen first-hand the damage caused by marijuana addiction, and that he treated many who started with pot, but later moved on to harder substances such as cocaine and heroin.

In some states the popularity of marijuana use for personal purposes can be so widespread that politicians seeking support are careful about what they say on this subject, knowing that votes could be lost if constituents feel they are out of touch with modern concepts. Complicating the matter further is that some states allow the substance to be used for certain medical conditions under strict medical guidelines.

The challenge Bermuda faces is whether to decriminalise small amounts of marijuana without turning on a green light for many young people who otherwise would avoid experimenting with the substance. Here again it raises the question over potential political motives for winning support further down the road.

With the amount of challenges confronting our youth today one would think PTA associations and the Island’s clergy would be more outspoken on this issue no matter what their positions are. The most important factor here is that any action taken should be to enhance proper standards for living and not to encourage activity that cannot possibly add to building character, not to mention the potential to stifle the capacity to learn.

I am reminded of a test conducted by the United States Navy some years ago when two gunner crews participated in a drill for effects of marijuana on performance. One crew smoked pot prior to the test under official guidelines, while the other was drug-free. The crew with the substance in their system, were slower than the drug-free group in responding to a given task. The key point is that any substance, legal or illegal, that interferes with normal brain activity carries a risk that is never a plus.

Whatever is decided on this issue could have some effect on how we move forward as a society. Let’s hope decision-makers will consider future generations instead of what is popular today.