At the same time it is not illegal to consume alcohol and use tobacco, two substances which are in fact regarded as being even more dangerous than ganja. This is not the first commission set up by the Jamaican Parliament to look at marijuana decriminalization. Politicians refused to implement the recommendations in the 1970s for fear of offending its trade partners such as the United States. The ruling People's National Party also favors setting up a similar commission to investigate the uses of industrial hemp. Prohibitionists were quick to claim that by allowing marijuana use for medicinal purposes recreational marijuana use would rise, especially among young people.
Teens stop using drugs when they become aware of the risks involved.
In 1998, 5.5 percent were current marijuana smokers, a figure consistent with the national level at 5 percent. The drug czar's claims were again proven wrong by this government study. The penalty would be enforced with a citation instead of an arrest. Hoping to strengthen the state's medical marijuana law, a state-run marijuana distribution network would be created by the initiative as well. The distribution of the medical marijuana would be overseen by the state attorney general.