THE Rastafarian community in Guyana has reiterated their calls for the legalisation of marijuana here, contending that the herb is used as a sacrament in their religious rites.This is according to President of the Rastafarian community, Ras Simeon, who, during an interview with the Chronicle last week, disclosed that over the years, Rastafarians have been denied their rights of engaging in their religious practices freely. “There should be a change of laws to cater for the freedom of worship for the Rastafarian community,” he posited.

MEDICAL PURPOSES

Apart from the religious aspect, there has been enough evidence in scientific journals that the use of marijuana is for the betterment of mankind because it has been proven that the herb helps to cure many ailments.

Ras Simeon also noted that the Rastafarian community has been using this herb for some time now and they are aware of the goodness of the “holy herb”.
Also speaking with the Chronicle last week, General Secretary of the Rastafarian community, Ras Ian, disclosed that there are currently many international events involving the legalising of marijuana and, as such, the government needs to “decriminalise the herb”.
Additionally, Ras Ian stated that “not only Caricom but also internationally the world is moving in a different direction because they have now realised that marijuana is beneficial for so many ailments.”
Apart from the actual herb, the hemp (extracts from the plant) and the other parts of the plant can replace so many other things within the society, particularly for industrial uses.
DECADE FOR PEOPLE OF AFRICAN DESCENT
He highlighted that the United Nations (UN) had declared that this is the International Decade for People of African Descent, which was established to see that the African community is taken care of in three areas, namely recognition, justice and development.
“The Rastafarian community is a part of the African community and we are being denied certain basic human rights in this the 21st century, and this is something we must push for regardless of if it wasn’t happening in the international community.”
Ras Ian emphasised that it is the mandate of the UN which gives them the right and privilege to champion the cause, which is the legalisation of marijuana in Guyana.
(By Navendra Seoraj)