A release from the Caribbean Regional Office of the United Nations International Drug Control Programme (UNDCP), states that the launch is sponsored jointly by CARICOM, the United Nations International Drug Control Programme and the Government of Guyana.

The press conference will be addressed by Health Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy, Home Affairs Minister Mr Ronald Gajraj, Dr. Michael Platzer, UNDCP Regional Representative and Ms Jacqulyn Joseph, Director of Human Development, CARICOM.

“The UN body is disturbed by the fact while developing countries struggle to eradicate cannabis and fight the trafficking of the substance, certain European and North American countries tolerate the cultivation, trade and abuse of cannabis on their territory. Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal and Spain do not penalise the possession for personal use nor is it a criminal offence. In other countries, possession and even small scale distribution are not prosecuted,” the release noted.

“The INCB is concerned about the widespread opinion in Jamaica and elsewhere in the Caribbean that cannabis is not a harmful drug, particularly among young people. The Board believes that the possession and abuse of cannabis should continue to be criminally sanctioned in accordance with international drug control treaties.

“This UN panel of experts believes that a relaxation of controls on cannabis use will likely lead to an increase in the abuse of the drug. Moreover, the public has a right to know the health and social consequences associated with cannabis use. The World Health Organisation (WHO) should be involved in the evaluation of not only the potential medical utility of cannabis but also the extent to which cannabis poses dangers to human health.

“Any Government that believes there is scientific evidence that the control of cannabis under the UN Drug Conventions is not justified should submit its evidence to the WHO and request the rescheduling of the drug, according to the procedures established. The gap between declared Government policy and actual practice undermines the universal commitments made to the UN Treaties.

“This year, the INCB has focused on Internet drug sales, the Internet chat rooms used by drug traffickers and Internet banking used for money laundering. The Board is particularly concerned that countries without adequate legislation against crimes involving the new technologies may become sanctuaries. Cyber crime, the Board warns, is easy to commit, requires few resources and is extremely difficult to detect. The Board recommends that assistance should be provided to developing countries at risk of such exploitation and the development of a United Nations Convention on Cyber crime,” the release concluded.