The arguments that weed (cannabis) is not bad and has enormous health benefits is true—and I am yet to meet anyone who would bother to rebut this. Similarly, I know of a friend whose first attempt at the weed smoking ‘enterprise’ caused his education and even up to date, you can deduct from whatever conversation you hold with him that; the dude is not normal…

There are tons of long-term and short term negative effects associated with the smoking of weed; including, Suppression of the immune system Reduced resistance to common illnesses (colds, bronchitis, etc.), Growth disorders, Increase of abnormally structured cells in the body, Reduction of male sex hormones, Rapid destruction of lung fibers and lesions (injuries) to the brain could be permanent, Reduced sexual capacity, Study difficulties: reduced ability to learn and retain information, Apathy, drowsiness, lack of motivation, Personality and mood changes as well as Inability to understand things clearly.

For many countries in the world including Ghana, Cannabis remains a controlled substance (a narcotic drug) on their statute books for the above reasons—and the many other unmentioned reasons associated with the ‘international herb’.

The punishment for smoking, trafficking or possession of weed varies based on jurisdiction and even though many are calling for the up to 10years sentence in Ghana to be reduced or abolished, it’s worth noting that you can face the death penalty in some other countries when it comes to weed related offences.

Just last month, it emerged that Ghana ranks first as the country with most weed smokers in Africa—and third in the world. This is alarming to some of us and taking a walk to our beaches at night will confirm this; mostly smoked by those with little or no education or any sense of real purpose in life.

It’s imprudent for any right thinking Ghanaian to suggest that, weed should be uncontrolled in Ghana taking into consideration the many negative effects, our poor health systems and the illiteracy rate which contributes to substance abuse.

Perhaps, the punishment can be looked at in the face of the emerging debate but to call for a total removal of the crime status of ‘cultivating, smoking, possession and trafficking’ of weed is not the way to go.

Cannabis remains a controlled substance in majority of the countries in the world—including those with extensive liberal mindsets and good healthcare systems…

For those calling to make Ghana an open weed society like Holland, just do the right comparison and you would realize that certain things will never work in Ghana no matter the aspiration and argument.

I wouldn’t want to walk down a street in Accra clouded in a thick weed smoke being puffed out by some young men or women and definitely, majority of Ghanaians would not want this either.

For now, it’s a crime and until parliament repeals the existing laws, woe unto anyone who is caught in act…