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Most J'cans support ganja decriminalisation - study

Published:Thursday | November 28, 2013 | 6:13 PM

Jermaine Francis, Gleaner Writer



A recent study has found that a majority of Jamaica’s population may be in support of relaxing the laws prohibiting the use of marijuana.




The study, which was conducted by pollster Don Anderson, reveals that 55 per cent of those interviewed felt that the laws criminalising marijuana should be relaxed.



Anderson notes that 55 per cent of respondents also believe that marijuana should be commercialised.



He says majority of those calling for a review of the laws are doing so on the basis that they believe there are medical benefits to be derived from marijuana.



In addition, Anderson says an overwhelming majority of those interviewed strongly called for the Government to intervene and promote the use of marijuana in medicine and ensure that its recreational usage is properly regulated.



He says the study was conducted during October and early November using a representative sample of 500 persons nationally.



Defending the sample size, Anderson says this was enough to give a good picture of how Jamaicans view the subject.



The survey on medical marijuana was commissioned by the Dr Henry Lowe-led Bio-Tech Research and Development Institute and Pelican Publishers.



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