PHILIPSBURG–National Alliance (NA) Member of Parliament Ardwell Irion has requested that the Social Economic Council SER carry out a study to ascertain the benefits and economic impact should medical marijuana be offered in St. Maarten.
The formal proposal, sent via Parliament to SER, requests that SER focus on the key areas of the effects of medical marijuana on the tourism sector, the effects on crime and addiction associated with cannabis specifically, the viability of CBD (Cannabidiol) versus cannabis as an industry and, lastly, the potential economic and financial benefits of a medical CBD or cannabis industry for the government.
Irion, in a press statement, cited information from recent studies conducted in Jamaica and the US states of Colorado and California.
Cannabis is legal in California for both medical and recreational use. In recent decades, the state has been at the forefront of efforts to reform cannabis laws, beginning in 1972 with America’s first ballot initiative attempting to legalise cannabis.
Colorado has recently followed suit by legalising the use and possession of cannabis. The two states are actively collecting extensive, progressive research into the economic effects.
Irion also seeks to explore alternative economic streams for St. Maarten. As the legalisation of medical cannabis grows throughout the region for medical as well as recreational purposes, other countries are able to tap into a new stream of revenue.
No laws have been proposed as yet. However, Irion seeks further clarification and information before more steps can be taken.
“My own research is not enough; as an MP I’m responsible for making sure that any changes to be introduced to our society will be a benefit to everyone and are introduced in a transparent and secure way,” Irion said.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/84872-irion-seeks-study-on-economic-impact-of-medical-marijuana
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