According to Saint Lucia clinical psychiatrist Dr. Julius Gilliard, legalizing marijuana could affect youth.
Dr. Gilliard has expressed concerns about marijuana getting into the hands of minors and young adults once it can be purchased just like alcohol.
The Government of Saint Lucia recently announced moves to draft legislation which will allow the use of marijuana for medicinal, recreational and commercial use.
Dr. Gilliard believes however that this will only put young people at greater risk as it relates to the use of marijuana.
“The use of cannabis at an early age places youth at an increased risk for a myriad of mental issues,” Gilliard said.
One often cited is “demotivation syndrome,” a condition in which personalities are altered and according to Dr. Gilliard, adults are better able to overcome this and minors are not.
“I would agree to decriminalize marijuana if the correct things are put in place with regards to the youth,” Gilliard declared.
According to him, the same kind of measures were attempted prior to cigarettes and alcohol becoming legal.
“Persons were aware of the risks to children and teenagers and yes they tried to put things in place but it still gets into the hands of these age groups. I know a lot of youth who use marijuana and it is an issue for me because in a lot of them it creates a change in their life paths,” he explained.
