By Robert Andre Emmanuel

The Marijuana Commission’s investigation into cannabis use in Antigua and Barbuda has reached a pivotal stage, with researchers now cleared to begin formal surveys after receiving Ethics Committee approval.

Bishop Charlesworth Browne, the Commission’s Public Relations Officer, revealed that the group held its first face-to-face session, last month, following a series of virtual meetings.

“This is tedious work and not any kind of gloss-over at the end of the day and we don’t want to have any loopholes,” Browne emphasized.

The Commission, established in December 2023 by the Cabinet to be led by Dr Kwasi Tonge, was formed in response to mounting public concerns about the effects of the 2018 decision to decriminalize marijuana, particularly its impact on youth.

These concerns were highlighted by Barbuda MP Trevor Walker, who in the past called on Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin to revisit amendments within the Misuse of Drugs Act 2018, citing instances of students smoking on schools’ compounds.

Last year, Chief of Staff in the Office of the Prime Minister Ambassador Lionel Hurst spoke of the government’s commitment to evidence-based policies.

“What we want to do is to establish the evidence and so a body like the University of the West Indies, with professionals who do these studies all the time, will be able to bring to the population scientific reports on marijuana and its impact on youth,” Hurst said at the time.

The six-member commission includes several specialists such as psychologist Dr Griffin Benjamin, Case Management and Data Officer Audie Browne and Researcher and Juvenile Rehabilitation Prospects Officer Victoria Dyer.

While specific details remain confidential at this stage, Bishop Browne indicated that the Commission has submitted the minutes of their past meetings and progress to Cabinet.