Even when taking what we would characterise as bold policy steps, it is critical to anticipate unintended consequences and assess how those effects are to be addressed.
Barbados faced a serious and costly problem: an overburdened criminal court system clogged with thousands of cases, many of them minor marijuana offences.
Hundreds of young men are unable to build stable futures because of criminal records for drug possession, as they follow them into job interviews and even overseas travel, turning youthful mistakes into lifelong barriers.
The administration sought to address this by moving away from harsh criminal penalties for those caught by police with small amounts of marijuana and introduced a ticketing system.
Additionally, the island embraced medicinal marijuana use and opened the door to a regulated cannabis industry. These changes reflect what is happening globally and a growing belief that minor drug use should not destroy people’s lives or overwhelm the justice system.
But recent comments in the Supreme Court highlight a growing concern about the consequence of that policy and legislative shift.
While the law has changed, the national message has not been clearly defined. As a result, Barbados now finds itself sending mixed signals about marijuana and about who can use it, when it is acceptable, and how seriously it should be taken.
This confusion risks undermining public confidence in the national policy and whether it has created more problems than it has solved.
Minister of Home Affairs Wilfred Abrahams reflected on the public concern about pervasive marijuana smoking at public events, particularly at popular football games.
Senior Counsel Angella Mitchell-Gittens questioned the fairness and consistency of a system where one person may be charged for possessing marijuana, while another can legally obtain it through a doctor, sometimes in a shopping mall, based on stress or minor complaints. It is a point that deserves serious national reflection.
For decades, young people stood before magistrates explaining that marijuana helped them relax or cope. Those explanations were often rejected, and the individuals were punished. Today, similar explanations can lead to a legal prescription. To many young Barbadians, this looks less like reform and more like a double standard.
The intent behind the amended approach to possessing small amounts of marijuana seemed justified. Too many people, especially young men, were being burdened with criminal records for possession of a mere ‘spliff’.
Medicinal marijuana now has the backing of the government, and it is based not only on the economic benefits but also the evidence that cannabis can help with chronic pain, nausea and other conditions.
Here is where some consequences have arisen in our society.
Mitchell-Gittens, a highly respected criminal lawyer, has described marijuana use as an “epidemic” and linked it to criminal behaviour based on years of experience with pre-sentencing reports.
While marijuana does not automatically cause crime, heavy or early use has been found to impair judgement, motivation, and the ability of heavy users to control their impulses. For many vulnerable young people, the situation increases the risk of poor choices, including involvement in serious criminal activity.
Her client’s case involved an illegal firearm, but it highlighted a weakness in the overarching policy around marijuana use. When young people see the use of weed seemingly being treated in a casual way in one setting, while being condemned in another, they sometimes conclude that the system is unfair to them.
Frankly, the island needs to reassess its position on the use of marijuana. Right now, it is muddled.
In one instance, the national position is to go soft on the use of small amounts; then high-profile leaders insist that use of the drug is still illegal. At the same time, any casual observation of youngsters will reveal that as far as they are concerned its use has been legalised.
Police officers have gone soft on enforcement. Smoking of the drug is pervasive, even at national events that have been organised and sanctioned by the government. As Mitchell-Gittens asserted, silence and mixed signals are harmful.
Important also is the need for medicinal marijuana to be carefully regulated. Prescriptions should be based on proper medical assessment, not convenience. If the system appears too casual and loose, it undermines trust and blurs the line between authentic medical treatment and regular recreational use of the drug.
If the island is to be seen as serious about reducing crime and improving the outcomes for young people, more has to be invested in mental health services, diversion activities away from drug use, skills training, and meaningful employment. There is no denying that marijuana and other substance use fills a gap created by stress and the feeling of hopelessness.
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