UWP & DLP considering national discussions on marijuana legalization for health and economic reasons

Political Leader of the UWP, Lennox Linton said “the marijuana industry is a multi-billion dollar medicinal and wellness products industry that is expanding by leaps and bounds around the globe using extracts of hemp – a plant that has been produced in Dominica for decades. We need to move speedily and purposefully claim a worthwhile share of that growing business before it is too late”.
 
Linton was in the US recently where the UWP said he was discussing “the growth potential of the market for hemp-based products with leading industry players.”
Linton believes Dominica must get on board to take advantage of the increasing opportunities for job creation, foreign exchange earnings, and a healthier nation. He said the availability and affordability of hemp-based medicinal and wellness products will significantly reduce the incidence of
chronic non-communicable diseases and thereby lead to a healthier nation.
 
Linton wants both sides of Parliament to host “a National Consultation of all stakeholders and civil society organizations before the 2018/2019 National Budget, to discuss and agree what needs to be done urgently to secure Dominica’s place in the global hemp industry.”
 
Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Reginald Austrie acknowledges that “The whole world is debating marijuana whether it is for medical purposes, whether it is for religious purposes”.
 
Austrie says Dominica needs to get out of the hole and join the rest of the world in the discussion. He then went on to say that that St. Vincent and CARICOM has taken a decision to do so and questions why are we not talking about it more in Dominica?” He pointed out that whatever decision is taken on the issue is another matter but we must start with the discussion and we will see where the discussion leads.
 
Austrie said he is not encouraging people to use or sell the substance but “if we can grow it for medicinal purposes, the guys can come down here, they can buy it, we can package it, we can sell it, let us have that discussion on those subject matters.”