Prime Minister Skerrit saysgovernment plans to discuss legalization of marijuana in Dominica in 2017

​Prime Minister Skerrit says government plans to discuss legalization of marijuana in Dominica in 2017. Speaking on a local radio station on Wednesday, Skerrit explained that the topic must be discussed in a focused and informed manner, in order to take full advantage of the use of the herb, which many have sworn has saved their lives.
 
“We have started the conversation. I think we maybe need to put a better structure in place where we can have a more structured, informed dialogue or discussion on medical marijuana, to see how we can take advantage of this. I think in the new year, you will see a more focused, more structured approach to the discussion. If there is a plant in our country which people are swearing by, as having saved their lives, or assisted them in reducing the pain or managing their ailment, then I think it is important for there to be a very serious discussion about it, and to see how we can go about taking advantage of this development.”
 
Mr Skerrit suggested that Dominica could tweak and adopt measures from other countries which have been successful in the use of medical marijuana. He added that while government is not opposed to eventual legalization of the herb, several things must be carefully considered before such a decision is brought forward.
 
Mr Skerrit said very serious discussions must take place, before “the country decides how we proceed with addressing the issue of marijuana for medicinal purposes, at an appropriate time.”Marijuana is a ‘Class B’ drug in Dominica, meaning that it is illegal to possess, cultivate, or sell the substance.
 
The issue of marijuana legalization has been exhaustively discussed in Dominica. In July 2016, Parliamentary Representative for the Roseau Central Constituency, Joseph Isaac, said it was time for officials to seriously consider decriminalization of marijuana. He expressed willingness to “lead the mission” towards that objective.