SPECIALIST on drug abuse control at the Organization of American States, Pernell Clarke, has underscored the need for a multi-sectoral approach to ganja regulation in Jamaica.

Clarke, who is also a research specialist with the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission, says this undertaking is not confined to matters of national security, but cuts across several sectors and agencies.

“Public health is a very important consideration in enforcing laws relating to smoking in public places, because (with decriminalisation) marijuana is going to become more available, and that’s something you have to prepare for,” he said, adding that accessibility is inextricably linked to consumption.

Clarke, who was speaking at a recent JIS Think Tank at the agency’s head office in Kingston, emphasised that the regulation needs to consider and make provisions for the sectors and stakeholders that will be affected.

He also stressed that the regulation must address issues pertaining to persons deviating from the legislative stipulations regarding ganja use.

“When persons are caught with quantities above two ounces (as per the legislation), the pre-existing laws still have to be enforced,” he noted.

Clarke also pointed out the importance of examining other jurisdictions that have implemented legislation to learn from their experiences.

“Jamaica and any other country that is interested in ganja regulation need to pay close attention to countries where ganja has been decriminalised. It is important to keep an ear to the ground, see what works for them, and apply it to your context,” he said.