Thursday 11 July 2013

Jamaica Bans Smoking Tobacco, Marijuana Is Another Matter



Banning smoking in public places is not all that uncommon as popular destinations worldwide look to promote a healthy environment for visitors to enjoy. But to some in the Bob Marley-induced culture of Jamaica, tobacco smoke is not the issue.

The new law of the land goes into effect on July 15, when visitors will no longer "have to involuntarily inhale tobacco smoke, with its over 40 carcinogens," said Jamaica's minister of health Fenton Ferguson in a Jamaica Observer article. Jamaicans get that, responding with support for the move to ban cigarette smoking.

On another smoke-related front, Jamaica's Ganja Law Reform Coalition (GLRC) argues that marijuana is a plant with various uses, including environmental and recreational. They propose for marijuana to be taxed and regulated, something not on the agenda of minister Ferguson.
Choosing instead to address other health concerns including excessive alcohol consumption and identifying the contents of fast food, Ferguson insists that "tobacco is the one that a little bit of smoke, a little puff every now and again is dangerous for you." 

Source -- http://www.gadling.com

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