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‘We are not ready for medical marijuana!’ – Premier Smith

Premier Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith has set the record straight to those hoping that the Territory would allow the cultivation and use of medical marijuana, saying, ‘not so fast’. Photo: VINO/File
Responding to the caller, Premier Smith said that marijuana has been used for some time in certain aspects of medicine, to do with the eye ailment glaucoma. He said that it is continued to be used as a prescribed treatment for this condition. “In many other areas it is suggested that there are some benefits but these are benefits that have to be well selected and carefully chosen and I think that it is something that we as a medical community will have to study carefully before we get around to using those in the community,” said Premier Smith, a medical doctor by training. Photo: Internet source
Responding to the caller, Premier Smith said that marijuana has been used for some time in certain aspects of medicine, to do with the eye ailment glaucoma. He said that it is continued to be used as a prescribed treatment for this condition. “In many other areas it is suggested that there are some benefits but these are benefits that have to be well selected and carefully chosen and I think that it is something that we as a medical community will have to study carefully before we get around to using those in the community,” said Premier Smith, a medical doctor by training. Photo: Internet source
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Premier Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith has set the record straight to those hoping that the Territory would allow the cultivation and use of medical marijuana, saying, ‘not so fast’.

Speaking on a National Democratic Party radio programme aired on Monday November 3, 2014 on ZBVI 780 AM, Premier Smith was clear in his response, saying that use of marijuana will not happen here just yet.

A caller called in to say that it is the first time in the Territory’s history that there is a doctor as Premier and one as Deputy Premier.

Using this as his premise the man went on to ask their opinion on the use of medical marijuana in the Territory.
“We are not hearing anything from the Government so we want to hear what they are saying about medical marijuana,” said the caller.

Responding to the caller, Premier Smith said that marijuana has been used for some time in certain aspects of medicine, to do with the eye ailment glaucoma. He said that it is continued to be used as a prescribed treatment for this condition.

“In many other areas it is suggested that there are some benefits but these are benefits that have to be well selected and carefully chosen and I think that it is something that we as a medical community will have to study carefully before we get around to using those in the community,” said Premier Smith, a medical doctor by training.

A number of persons have been on public airwaves calling for the freeing up of the use of marijuana, medically and otherwise.

22 Responses to “‘We are not ready for medical marijuana!’ – Premier Smith”

  • wow (05/11/2014, 15:53) Like (18) Dislike (2) Reply
    Dr.donthaveaclue dont even know that this could be our 4th pillar.
  • ooooo (05/11/2014, 15:55) Like (17) Dislike (2) Reply
    he have to get the go-ahead fom necker/guana first
  • JACK BE STILL (05/11/2014, 15:57) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    Free up the weed
    • just asking..... (05/11/2014, 19:45) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      Did you ever think that God knows doctors need a source of income???
  • sick guy (05/11/2014, 15:59) Like (25) Dislike (2) Reply
    Legalize it for my glaucoma
  • When Then? (05/11/2014, 16:05) Like (17) Dislike (3) Reply
    If we are not ready for medical marijuana now, then when? Half the island smoking it anyway and feeling a lot better medically. We are so far behind the times it isn't even funny. I guess you want to just keep locking up our young people for minimum amounts to keep HMP full huh? Stupidness!
  • Meds (05/11/2014, 16:32) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    It's funny how they use to word "medical" in front marijuana as if there's a difference between "medical" marijuana and "regular" marijuana. There's ONLY 2 categories of cannabis, "Indica" & "Sativa" ...And I say that to say this, it's the SAMETHING! So why is "medical" marijuana legal in some countries, and "regular" marijuana isn't ? Because "medical" marijuana is taxable.
    • Trute (05/11/2014, 17:04) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      I get your point, there are other categories of Marijuana though those two are just most common around here. The main difference is right "Medical" means "Taxable"
  • Ok Then! (05/11/2014, 16:51) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    These medicine people don't cease to amaze me.. Why cant we just sell the weed the same way cigarettes are sold?? Weed has never killed anyone yet cigarette is sold legally left right and center, even though it kills thousands a year.. I don't get it.. If rum and cigarette can be sold, then why is it that these governments don't let people sell weed?! Just like the cigarette the weed can have a warning label like "Be warned! You will feel very nice and calm, followed by some laughter and the munchies!" <<< oooohhh!!! Scary stuff to have legalized! smfh..
  • Spliff (05/11/2014, 18:13) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    U not ready for medical marijuana but you got your elected colleges and business friends getting high off of our tax paying dollars on so called projects that will not see a profitable return within over 20 years.

    Let me get Rita to sell the piece of land Bob Marley have here because this place is going down under.

    Light NDP a fire. FIRE BUN AYO!!!
  • wize up (05/11/2014, 18:49) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    i don't need pen and paper to light-up my pipe; as far as i am concerned it been legal for me!!!!!
  • ccc (05/11/2014, 19:20) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Does smith even have a clude about the subject?
  • xxxxxxxx (05/11/2014, 19:25) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    The reason is simple , theNDP have not taken the time to explain to the people why all this mismanagement will affect them or why medical marihuana is good or bad!!!. We cannot do political education once in a while from a political platform you need to do it in a structured way from the ground up.....
  • shaw (05/11/2014, 23:27) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
    let's see what some of the states in the US find out. BVI is far from being capable of regulating the use of weed for medical purposes. It just sounds like jumping on the band wagon. first, do a survey of how many patients would need it- glaucoma, cancer treatments... And how are you going to keep friends/families from using prescriptions that don't belong to them. There is no way of monitoring it.
    • wow (06/11/2014, 09:21) Like (0) Dislike (8) Reply
      ....the only sensible comment on here....set ah weed heads only wan hear 'we' and them done high and stupidy
      • @SMH Hush (06/11/2014, 10:31) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
        Weed don't make you stupid you ignorant fool.. Lack of education does..
  • -Open Ur Eyez (06/11/2014, 06:41) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    -Its NOT What Ur Ready For, Its What You NEED!!!!!
  • whatever (06/11/2014, 08:36) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    I agree with CCC..does Smith even have a clue about the subject? My opinion..he doesnt. Hw know wjay he has been told...As a premier he has not done the very best job in displaying leadership. He's allowed all others in his Party to take the leadership role. While he sit back and watch the nonsense and destruction go on. Where is the leader we thought we voted in..one who cares about the people of the BVI..one who would uphold the laws of the land..one who would star up for truth... That leader is no longer...Can't wait for election time ..this NDP voter has gone VIP
  • Enzo (06/11/2014, 10:53) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    I've read all or your comments and what persons are failing to realize is that Marijuana is made up of 2 main ingredients: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is considered the psychoactive part that make persons "high"; the other part is called Cannabidiol (CBD) and this part is what is used to treat different types of illnesses ranging from cancers, seizures, a whole host of illnesses. If you truly research the use of medical marijuana use in the USA you will see it's the CBD area of the marijuana plant that they are using to treat illnesses even in young children. So it is not just legalizing marijuana use here in the VI, we don't want a country full of persons that are "high" for this can have consequences. I am all for medical marijuana use to treat certain health conditions but it has to be done the right way. Again I reiterate that it is not the entire marijuana plant that is used to treat illnesses. The plant has to be low in THC and very high in CBD.. Do your research and you will see I am right.
    • pat (06/11/2014, 13:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      take those ingredients out and make them into a capsule for the same affect. Much better and specific.
  • wize up (06/11/2014, 14:58) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    boy, life is so funny; government will back a same-sex law and same sex behaviour BUT can free-up the weed(the "plant').....fire bun Babylon !!!!!!
  • jajajaja (09/11/2014, 21:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Marijuana will get back to its roots, biblically and no one can't stop it


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