THE EDITOR, Sir:

WITH ALL the debate and discussions going on in Parliament, I had to wonder whether or not anyone has realised the economic benefits that could be reaped from the decriminalisation of ganja. It is a herb that is used legally in many countries, such as Nepal, Holland, etc. In a country that is swimming in debt and deficits, it would be advantageous to have one more export on the market.

The export of marijuana could reap much profit to help finance many expenditures, such as the free health care that has recently been instituted. The funds for programmes such as this must come from somewhere if they are expected to work. Other suggestions to fund the new health care system are higher levies on tobacco and alcohol and an increase in the percentage of GDP that government spends on health. Killing two birds with one stone sounds effective to me.

I am, etc.,

KRISTEN

myshugah@yahoo.com

Lexington,Virginia

Via Go-Jamaica