5.4. There are three main species of the cannabis plant: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica and Cannabis ruderalis. The plant has over 700 compounds of which more than 100 are cannabinoids. The main cannabinoids of interest medicinally are the psychoactive compound, delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) which is non -psychoactive. These cannabinoids act on the endocannabinoid system which plays an important role in the body’s function. 5.5. There are also now genetically modified versions of the plant; plants with higher THC strains due to cross-fertilization or deliberate manipulation, as well as hybrids. The Commission heard, even from marijuana users, that these strains, such as “cush”, have been specifically developed to give a greater ‘high’ to users. 5.6. In addition, there is evidence that many users mix marijuana with other substances such as alcohol or other drugs, which can change the effect of the plant. As a consequence, even if there is now widespread acceptance in the region that marijuana has established medical uses, there is need for clarity as to precisely what, in what dosages, what types of cannabis plants etc. CARICOM should embrace. These scenarios present particular challenges for regulation, even if prohibition were to be removed in favour of a regulated regime similar to alcohol, for example. 5.7. The Commission is of the view that strains of cannabis with very high THC levels that have been developed, should remain prohibited substances for purposes of general public consumption, since they present too high risks. Indeed, such substances should be specifically banned in the law. While we appreciate that currently, the practical tools may not be available to test for such qualities, the law should be futuristic in this regard since undoubtedly, such tools will be developed for wide use in the near future. Further, it is important for the law to play a role in warning of the clear risks with such strains. The only exceptions should be where such new strains of cannabis are developed and utilised in specific medical products as may be patented.
Evidence as to Positive Medicinal Benefits Now Overwhelming
5.8. One of the most important reasons for the increased interest in cannabis/ marijuana is because of its use as a medicinal substance. This is by no means novel in the region given the social and cultural significance of cannabis/ marijuana, enhanced by the adoption of the plant for religious purposes by the Rastafarian community. The Rastafarians designated the plant the ‘holy herb’ and the Commission heard repeatedly, of its medicinal properties which had been gifted by God as a natural, free, substance for the healing of all. The Commission, at each of its Consultations, was treated to quotations from the Bible to substantiate these claims, such as: “Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things." (Genesis 9:3).102
Strains of cannabis with very high THC levels that have been developed, should remain prohibited substances for purposes of general public consumption, since they present too high risks.
5.9. Indeed, this long historical and cultural association with cannabis/ marijuana perhaps accounts for the early scientific interest in the substance in the Commonwealth Caribbean. In fact, the region can boast of having the earliest cannabis/ marijuana medical patented products, a treatment for glaucoma developed by the University of the West Indies (UWI).103
5.10. Medical Marijuana dates back to five millennia. Its use as a medicinal substance was popularised in Western culture in the mid-19th century by an Irish physician, William B. O’Shaughnessy who published a book “On the Preparations of the Indian Hemp, or Gunjah”. In this book, he promoted Marijuana for the treatment of pain, nausea and vomiting, spasms, epilepsy and insomnia (Robson, 2001). Marijuana as medicine was marketed in the early 20th century but was dropped from the pharmacopoeia of many
See too, Ezekiel 34:29: “And I will raise up for them a plant of renown, and they shall be no more consumed with hunger in the land, neither bear the shame of the heathen anymore;” and Revelations 22:1-2, A gift from God.” 103 West, Manley, Homi, J. ‘Cannabis as a Medicine’, Br J Anaesth, 1996, Jan 76 (1) 1-67. 102
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