We Should Not Be Robbed Of Our Right To Breathe Clean Air
I have been struck with the blatant, intentional smoking of Ganja in eateries, beaches and shopping areas all over the island.
I am very aware of the new law passed about the quantity of Ganja one can carry without being arrested and prosecuted. However, I don’t think it is a law that allows Ganja to be puffed in the faces of those of us who don’t indulge in this very injurious habit.
I am a licensed counselor and alcohol and drug counselor who has worked with the addicted for several years. This behaviour is having harmful effects on infants and children who are in proximity to such people as well.
The destruction of brain cells and toxification of one’s body ultimately leads to major health problems. Ganja being smoked in public places needs to be treated the same as cigarettes being smoked in public places.
Many people are allergic to both. Business owners, hospitals, beaches etc need to have posted signs to this effect. I truly hope Jamaica will not become the drug addiction capital of the world. Decriminalising Ganja in my opinion was not wise on the part of our government; we are now having to deal with negative unintended consequences.
Let us remember that Ganja (marijuana) has been found along with other intoxicants to be a major contributor to ADD/ADHD in children. Check out the Journal of Pediatric Medicine for such research. Shall we destroy the intellectual capacity of our children before they even come to maturity? The issues of under-performance and mal-adaptive behaviors including criminal acts are widely known by those of us who work in the field of counseling and addiction. It is imperative that Jamaica establish a strong educational program for families, schools, churches and organizations to drastically decrease and myth that it is OK to smoke and indulge in Ganja (marijuana).
Here is a link to the American Psychological Association on the matter with regards to the brain development of children.
Final note, when I asked a Ganja smoker to vacate an eatery where I was purchasing food because I was getting a headache, he made it clear that he would use threats and intimidation to respond to my request. I maintained a headache for 3 days after inhaling this smoke. To make matters worse, there was an infant not 10 feet away from him. I attended an event where more than 15 school aged children were performing and the Ganja smoke was inhaled by them for several hours.
Do those of us who don’t smoke or indulge in any way shape or form with Ganja have any rights? We should not be robbed of our right to breathe clean air.
I am deeply concerned.
Signed,
Maxine D McKoy, MS, LPC, LADC
Download The Jamaican Blogs™ App for your Android device: HERE
Remember to share this article on Facebook and other Social Media Platforms. To submit your own articles or to advertise with us please send us an EMAIL at: [email protected]