By Lansana Fofanah.
A prominent campaigner for the legalization of Canabis Sativa also known as Marijuana, Elijah Mohamed Issa Gogra, founder of Culture Radio, has called on the government to legalize Canabis Sativa in the country for it will create jobs and boost the economy.
While updating the press recently on the ongoing petition for the legalization of marijuana, he said that the petition has attracted over ten thousand signatories from all walks of life across the country which shows that, Sierra Leoneans want it legalized.
Mr. Gogra said that while there are estimated one million marijuana consumers in Sierra Leone, government has not benefitted from it because the trade is been done through smuggle and no one dares to talk about the trade openly.
“Other countries have established a market base in the world for marijuana because they have legalized the trade and that has encouraged foreign investors to create employment for locals and pay taxes for exportation. Sierra Leone cannot afford to be left behind in this lucrative trade,” he said.
He said that while cultivating Marijuana has been the source of livelihood for many youths, they only ended up smuggling it to neighboring countries. But with the legalization of the trade, it will boost the economy and livelihood of those engaged in the trade and encourage more investors to invest in the country.
He said that the aspect of Marijuana has been totally misconstrued while leaving dangerous liquors and drugs like kush to ravage the lives of youths. He said that while they are calling for the legalization of marijuana, they are doing so in accordance with the law so that Government will look into the matter for the legalization and regulation of the substance.
Referencing the medical aspect, he said that Marijuana has been proven by scientists to cure lots of illnesses. He therefore urged our law makers to consider the legalization of marijuana very soon.
