9/26/2013

Watch The Grow Jamaica Movie To Discover The Advantages Of Legalizing Marijuana

By Dale Peck


The marijuana plant, or "ganja" as it is often called has long played a significant role in the reggae and Rastafarian cultures which originate in the Caribbean island of Jamaica. This natural herb has numerous health benefits and other uses which are examined in the book "Grow Jamaica" by Reverend Leeroy Campbell who presents a multifaceted argument for its legalization. This book inspired the production of a Grow Jamaica movie, a thought-provoking hour-long documentary which explores the implications of legalizing the herb through the eyes of various Jamaicans.

Reverend Campbell passed away in 2009, but during his life he dedicated many years to studying the cannabis plant and its effects. In the book he discusses the history of cannabis and hemp, its various uses, and how it became criminalized. He purports that it should be legalized to grow in Jamaica as this crop would surely help the country's economic situation.

Those concepts introduced by the book, are further fleshed-out in the film version. Various Jamaican with different occupations including economists, politicians, doctors, and police officers, offer their supporting opinions in favor of Campbell's proposition. The Reverend himself also speaks in the film, explaining his beliefs in a credible way that clearly reveals what a knowledgeable and gifted individual he was.

There are other respected personalities who are interviewed in the film, expressing their thoughts on the subject. These include musician Stephen Marley, actor and broadcaster Oliver Samuels, and Dr. Bragga. Each of these entertaining and engaging guests has his own interesting opinion regarding the prospect of legalizing ganja which are both factual and humorous at the same time.

Campbell spent years working as a teacher and counselor and truly knows how to connect with and motivate his audience. The information he presents is factual, based on studies he has conducted on the marijuana plant. He explains how legalizing it as a crop can have a profound impact on the economy of Jamaica since it plays a role in so many industries, from food to tourism.

Hemp is related to marijuana but its concentration of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is considerably less, so it does not produce the same psychological effects as ganja does. It is a durable plant that can be used to make construction materials, a cotton-like fiber, environmentally-safe biofuels, and paper, which cuts down on deforestation. A hemp crop can grow rather quickly and does not need pesticides or frequent watering.

The nutritional values of hemp are many as well. Its oil and seeds are a great source of essential fatty acids which are necessary for many bodily functions. They have been proven to lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol. Unfortunately, even hemp is lumped in with the other types of ganja, making it illegal to grow and sell too.

The Flash Point and BFI Film Festivals have selected and shown the Grow Jamaica movie, and it has attracted a considerable following from both viewers and critics. Its bold message certainly has great potential, and the day may come, if the decision makers' opinion of ganja can be changed, that it may be actualized.




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