Biden should do more

THE EDITOR, Sir:

Regarding the editorial published in The Gleaner on October 11, titled ‘Use opportunity of Biden’s ganja move,’

US President Joe Biden should also condemn the human toll taken by the blind anti-drug policy of Bill Clinton’s Democratic presidency (1992-2000).

Clinton had shamefully decided against nationally legalising (or at least decriminalising) cannabis consumption, that is, simple possession, after having championed it prior to his election.

Much worse, he greatly ramped up the ‘war on drugs’ - including against individual users, which needlessly and unjustly destroyed lives – at the very same time that he made it easier for bankers to become richer. And yet he probably slept well at night nonetheless.

I definitely could not.

Regardless, cannabis products are generally known to be a healthier alternative to tranquiliser use and abuse, and therefore a potential threat to the pharmaceutical industry’s profits.

Other than to pander to Big Pharma’s interests, which logically favour legal obstacles to THC consumption, there was, and still is, no sound reason – morally, ethically or for the national interest – to maintain THC consumption’s criminal status.

FRANK STERLE JR