Despite its popular use, ganja is an illegal drug in Jamaica. According to the National Council on Drug Abuse, a person can be fined up to $50,000 or up to three years for possession.

Evidence suggests that drivers under the influence of ganja have a distorted sense of space and time, altered peripheral and central vision, and impaired manipulative and coordination skills.

The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORMI), which supports the removal of all illegal penalties for possession of the drug for personal use, strongly discourages driving while under the influence of marijuana or any other drug.

Herbert Moskowitz, research psychologist at University of California, said marijuana impairs skills performance and perception processes, including vision, attention, and tracking behaviour. These are all vital components of safe and defensive driving.

National Council on Drug Abuse lists the following effects of driving and drug use:

1. Slows movements and reaction

2. Causes disjointed thinking

3. Blur judgement of space and distance

4. Driver unable to control vehicle

5. Driver unable to stop the vehicle in an emergency.

The council, through its pamphlet, suggests that these effects may remain for a long period (from hours to days) even long after the high is gone.

- Paul Messam