From Channel5 Belize

The buzz this week has been about the legalization of marijuana as proposed by the Leader of the Opposition John Briceño.

Briceño suggested that Belize should follow countries like Canada, Netherlands, and Uruguay and legalize the recreational use of the herb.

In his weekly address, Briceño explained that legalizing marijuana will present an opportunity for Belize to not only generate millions of dollars in revenue, but also create sustainable employment. He said that Belize can be part of this rapidly growing industry.

Several states in the U.S.A. have legalized the recreational use of marijuana. In fact, the state of California has generated two-point seven-five billion dollars in legal marijuana sales.

In the Caribbean, Jamaica has made its first legal export of medical marijuana extracted oil to Canada. Mexico’s Foreign Minister said that Mexico is absolutely considering adopting cannabis legalization in lieu of the failing war on drugs.

Government has already decriminalized possession of up to ten grams of marijuana but after meeting on Tuesday, Cabinet decided to reject Briceño’s suggestion, condemning it as “simplistic, ignorant and downright dangerous.”

G.O.B. also spoke on the notion of exporting marijuana to the U.S. which would constitute a very serious offense of illegal drug trafficking under U.S. law.

Today, Briceño fired back, pointing to the misinformation contained in G.O.B.’s release.

John Briceño, Leader of the Opposition

“Their response is so wrong and I will point it out. For instance, in their response they are saying that I am calling to completely legalize the drug trade. Where did I say? That is one hundred percent wrong. Secondly, they are talking about suddenly it is a sudden position that the P.U.P. is taking, talking about legalizing the drug. When the government introduced legislation to decriminalized marijuana, they wanted our supported and we supported the idea. During my presentation I even spoke and said that maybe it is time to take a look of not only decriminalizing, even go all the way and legalize it. Let’s study and bring people together. Let’s have consultation. They did not criticize me at that time. They said nothing because they wanted our support. When they talk about exporting marijuana to the United States, where did I say that? I spoke about Canada, Europe and South America. At no time did it mention the United States. To see how they think about our farmers. This is an insult to our farmers when they are saying that our farmers could not compete against the farmers in the United States as if our farmers are dumb, as if our farmers are not prepared to work hard enough. I think they need to apologize to the farmers because of what they said in their release. This government is completely bankrupt of ideas. By taking that action also you remove the whole issue of marijuana in Belize from criminals and make it legal and tax it so that Belizeans can benefit. It shows the complete hypocrisy of the U.D.P. and also once again demonstrates to the Belizean people that this government is bankrupt of ideas.”

IMAGE: JOHN BRICEÑO

For more on this story go to: http://edition.channel5belize.com/archives/174007