OPINION: The ordeal of Kwaw Kese and the grand debate on Marijuana use

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Prof Lungu 11 years ago

As we are reading this, there is news Kwaw Kese has been released on bail.

Ghana Police and the IGP can be faulted for the many weeks they reported they needed to "investigate" the clear case of "I smoked It In Public", i ...
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As we are reading this, there is news Kwaw Kese has been released on bail.

Ghana Police and the IGP can be faulted for the many weeks they reported they needed to "investigate" the clear case of "I smoked It In Public", in "fili-fili" fashion - as it were. There was nothing to investigate beyond 48 hours.

The Judge who sat in that Court Room and refused to apply his critical faculties to challenge the Police and the IGP, is equally faulted - for wasting public resources for so many days.

Recall the transport and the back-and-forth to KATH?

The reader will agree that there were several unnecessary risks, to all!

ITEM: We agree with IMANI's Cudjoe - the Kwaw Kese judge and many of them on the bench in Ghana's court rooms, need more training and education.

Mr. Kese's "Stand" requires all in Ghana to reflect on the cost and damage for prosecuting and imprisoning so many Ghanaians for using/possessing hemp! Alcohol, we will inform you, is a bigger public safety hazard.

Wiser jurisdictions/Nations are doing better these days!

Michael Eli Dokos and many others in many forums are contributing to this marijuana discourse.

Wise up, Ghana!
francis kwarteng 11 years ago

Prof. Lungu,

How are you?

I forgot mentioning this book "The Rich and The Rest of Us: A Poverty Manifesto" (Cornel West/Tavis Smiley) during our last conversation.

This books passionately deals with the question of ...
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Prof. Lungu,

How are you?

I forgot mentioning this book "The Rich and The Rest of Us: A Poverty Manifesto" (Cornel West/Tavis Smiley) during our last conversation.

This books passionately deals with the question of abject poverty in the US, like no other. There is also a documentary that comes with the book.

I hope you have seen or read the book already. The facts they ptovide are astonishing.

Thanks, Prof. Lungu!
Prof Lungu 11 years ago

Thanks for the note!

Sorry! I have not yet checked out the West/Smiley book. Will do that shortly.

As a student of Urban Planning, History, and Public Administration, I am familiar with their positions, and some of the ...
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Thanks for the note!

Sorry! I have not yet checked out the West/Smiley book. Will do that shortly.

As a student of Urban Planning, History, and Public Administration, I am familiar with their positions, and some of the data. As you may know, for the US, the critique of industrialization, urbanism, capitalism, and poor housing started in New York tenements, with the book, "How the Other Half Lives", by Jacob Riis (1890).

Just ordered a copy of "Capital in the Twenty-First Century, by Thomas Piketty, in English. Will check out the West/Smiley book, after.

Greetings and wishing you great success in the New Year!
francis kwarteng 11 years ago

Prof. Lungu,

Thanks for the reminder regarding the French economist Thomas Piketty and his work on economic growth, income inequality, and tax policies.

On the other hand, I have not read his best-selling book "Capital ...
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Prof. Lungu,

Thanks for the reminder regarding the French economist Thomas Piketty and his work on economic growth, income inequality, and tax policies.

On the other hand, I have not read his best-selling book "Capital in the 21st Century" yet.

I will surely be reading it this year. That said, please don't hesitate to give me a leg-up on any usful work you think it is worth reading.

I am indeed grateful for the remind. Keep educating us via your expansive knowledge on the world.

Thanks, Prof. Lungu.
Nii Fio 11 years ago

One of the most stupid acts in humans is to jail somebody for puffing marijuana or cannabis.

Human beings should think properly and think again. Why should any law be made to jail somebody because he was smoking marijauana ...
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One of the most stupid acts in humans is to jail somebody for puffing marijuana or cannabis.

Human beings should think properly and think again. Why should any law be made to jail somebody because he was smoking marijauana, are we alright in our brains? I just don't get it. In any case, are we aware that lots of people stick to this habit because of various reasons primarily due to unemployment and other frustrations? We should think properly as human beings and stop this stupidity of jailing people because they were seen smoking weed. How fooolish is such a reason for jailing a citizen.

Our Parliamemtarians should also wake up and abolish any foooolish law get gets innocent Ghanaians thrown in jail for a stupid reason like smoking weeb.
Gen.Mosquito 11 years ago

"Wreckless Eye Balling" was a crime punishable by a 100 lashes on the bare buttocks for any black slave who dared look straight in the eye of his master's wife or daughter.the aim was to prevent niggars from being tempted to ...
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"Wreckless Eye Balling" was a crime punishable by a 100 lashes on the bare buttocks for any black slave who dared look straight in the eye of his master's wife or daughter.the aim was to prevent niggars from being tempted to rape or seduce white women.the fact here is that not all laws are right but the law against the use of Ganja is self serving, simplicita.the fear is that allowing the use will embolding the hungry and down trodden to upturn the status quo,end of story
Kwame Dokyi 11 years ago

YESSSSSSS!!

YESSSSSSS!!
truth 11 years ago

You see how weed can let you talk. You could have been sober than this way. Weed can reduce the number of brain cell that one has.

You see how weed can let you talk. You could have been sober than this way. Weed can reduce the number of brain cell that one has.
Prof Lungu 11 years ago

Nice try, truth!!!!!!!!

WebMD News Archive
July 1, 2003 -- Long-term and even daily marijuana use doesn't appear to cause permanent brain damage, adding to evidence that it can be a safe and effective treatment for a wi ...
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Nice try, truth!!!!!!!!

WebMD News Archive
July 1, 2003 -- Long-term and even daily marijuana use doesn't appear to cause permanent brain damage, adding to evidence that it can be a safe and effective treatment for a wide range of diseases, say researchers.

The researchers found only a "very small" impairment in memory and learning among long-term marijuana users. Otherwise, scores on thinking tests were similar to those who don't smoke marijuana, according to a new analysis of 15 previous studies.

In those studies, some 700 regular marijuana users were compared with 484 non-users on various aspects of brain function -- including reaction time, language and motor skills, reasoning ability, memory, and the ability to learn new information.

Surprising Finding

"We were somewhat surprised by our finding, especially since there's been a controversy for some years on whether long-term cannabis use causes brain damage," says lead researcher and psychiatrist Igor Grant, MD.

"I suppose we expected to see some differences in people who were heavy users, but in fact the differences were very minimal."

The marijuana users in those 15 studies -- which lasted between three months to more than 13 years -- had smoked marijuana several times a week or month or daily. Still, researchers say impairments were less than what is typically found from using alcohol or other drugs.

"All study participants were adults," says Grant, professor of psychiatry and director of the Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research Center at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine...."

www.webmd.com/mental-health/news/20030701/heavy-marijuana-use-doesnt-damage-brain
Nero 11 years ago

If the law says if you do A then you'll be arrested, then if you do A, you must be arrested. That's the rule of law at play. However, you may disagree with the law and seek it's abolishment through several means: agitate or c ...
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If the law says if you do A then you'll be arrested, then if you do A, you must be arrested. That's the rule of law at play. However, you may disagree with the law and seek it's abolishment through several means: agitate or convince the legislature to overturn it, or consciously break the law, get arrested, and proudly serve the prison sentence to dramatize your position.
But purposely breaking the law and beginning to cry when the legal proceedings begin, only paints a picture of indiscipline and lawlessness. If Mr Kesse seriously believes in what he did, then let him bear his cross with a smile anf not a whimper

Prof Lungu 11 years ago

We agree, as with the writer!

The law needs to be reviewed/revised, using common sense, data, and current knowledge.

Further, we have not argued against the arrest.

Our critique is, the police and the judge did not ...
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We agree, as with the writer!

The law needs to be reviewed/revised, using common sense, data, and current knowledge.

Further, we have not argued against the arrest.

Our critique is, the police and the judge did not need more than 48 hours to "investigate" this elementary case.

There is always a cost to administer and enforce "the law."

This is a clear case of better use of public resources for all those days/hours Mr. Kese was under guard, transported to the hospital, returned to the "prison," etc.
Gen.Mosquito 11 years ago

During the height of slavery,it was a crime called "Wreckless Eye balling" for a black man to look straight in the eye of a white woman.punishment was a 100 lashes on bare ass.useless law designed in the imagination of the wh ...
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During the height of slavery,it was a crime called "Wreckless Eye balling" for a black man to look straight in the eye of a white woman.punishment was a 100 lashes on bare ass.useless law designed in the imagination of the white man to prevent the niggar from being tempted to rape white women or from (this is the unthinkable part),white women being tempted to sleep with niggars.some laws are simply self seeking.the one against Ganja is a colonial relic serving the continued interest of the rulers who fear that the "Weed of Wisdom" will embolden the majority to upturn the status quo,simplicita
DOBOO, MD. 11 years ago

Cannabis is an innocent harmless plant just like any other plant growing in Ghana, but it has been discriminated against by our colonizers and now by our ignorant legislators. The fact is that tobacco cigarettes and akpeteshi ...
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Cannabis is an innocent harmless plant just like any other plant growing in Ghana, but it has been discriminated against by our colonizers and now by our ignorant legislators. The fact is that tobacco cigarettes and akpeteshie, both chemically processed products are marketed throughout Ghana without any restrictions whatsoever, even though our legislators acknowledge both products to be dangerous for human consumption, yet there is no law against their usage. Comparatively, cannabis is a natural herb with enormous medicinal and industrial benefits. Ghana is a sovereign nation and our leaders must abolish the current colonial Marijuana Act and rather LEGALIZE CANNABIS. Free all the marijuana captives languishing in Ghana prisons. That is the right thing to do for these poor wee smokers this new year. Where is our Freedom and Justice in Ghana if one cannot be free to smoke a just plant, cannabis?
Kwame Dokyi 11 years ago

Professor Lungu! Who is the author of this highest intellectual and exceptionally illustrative exposition?
I am convinced that you know the guy in question!!This is highly explosive in all directions!!

Professor Lungu! Who is the author of this highest intellectual and exceptionally illustrative exposition?
I am convinced that you know the guy in question!!This is highly explosive in all directions!!
Prof Lungu 11 years ago

Kwame Dokyi,

No sir!

I do not know Michael Eli Dokosi! Essay suggests his is a physician of some sort.

I agree.

This is an exceptional piece with lots of data - historical, scientific, etc., for the critically m ...
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Kwame Dokyi,

No sir!

I do not know Michael Eli Dokosi! Essay suggests his is a physician of some sort.

I agree.

This is an exceptional piece with lots of data - historical, scientific, etc., for the critically minded.

Timely!
Ghfuo: Be Bad & Hang Nyantakyi, NOW! 11 years ago

"another one bites the dust" by Queen......played backwards is "its fun to smoke marijuana"!!!

"another one bites the dust" by Queen......played backwards is "its fun to smoke marijuana"!!!
The mask 11 years ago

Every radio station must have two different types of News Broadcasts. The first must be National/international news and the second must be restricted to only events in the local district, Municipality or Metropolis.

People ...
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Every radio station must have two different types of News Broadcasts. The first must be National/international news and the second must be restricted to only events in the local district, Municipality or Metropolis.

People don't even know where shops are located.
papanii 11 years ago

a good one there. mic thank you very much for this article. Parliament should lock at the law for the necessary amendment

a good one there. mic thank you very much for this article. Parliament should lock at the law for the necessary amendment
at 11 years ago

Ganja purifies the heart, the soul and the mind, the ignorance is too much in this country.

Ganja purifies the heart, the soul and the mind, the ignorance is too much in this country.
Son of Man 11 years ago

Since we all up in arms for legalizing marijuana for our own twisted reasons (real or imagined)why not advocate for the legalization of prostitution. More people enjoy prostitutes than smoking marijuana.

Since we all up in arms for legalizing marijuana for our own twisted reasons (real or imagined)why not advocate for the legalization of prostitution. More people enjoy prostitutes than smoking marijuana.

Prof Lungu 11 years ago

Son of Man,
We do not know sure how you know "More people enjoy prostitutes than smoking marijuana." How do the "prostitutes" feature in all of that?

ITEM: Prostitution is illegal. However, prostitution is tolerated, ...
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Son of Man,
We do not know sure how you know "More people enjoy prostitutes than smoking marijuana." How do the "prostitutes" feature in all of that?

ITEM: Prostitution is illegal. However, prostitution is tolerated, usually in particular areas - legal, or not legal! How about doing the same, or similar, for marijuana users -control it wisely, we say?

Even so, lets make it easier for you, untwisted, so to speak. Let's ban alcohol - for the damage to persons, careers, and property!
Son of Man 11 years ago

You can't go all out for legalization. The MDs have found some medical use for marijuana. Why not make it legal for those medically in need for the puff?

Alcohol? some countries ban alcohol and only make accessible base ...
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You can't go all out for legalization. The MDs have found some medical use for marijuana. Why not make it legal for those medically in need for the puff?

Alcohol? some countries ban alcohol and only make accessible based on some criteria. In some countries, you can't drink alcohol in public places. That is a illegal, right

My point is if you want an all out legalization of marijuana, then make an all out legalization of prostitution. The only countries, worldwide, where cannabis/marijuana is totally legal are North Korea and Uruguay. For all other countries, it is legal but some have decriminalized possession.

So let us stop and think before we start something we can't find solutions to.
Prof Lungu 11 years ago

Son of Man,
Right now, what we have is an "unthinking" law". Remember the catalyst for this discourse --- refusal to grant bail for "puff"!

Our subject line said, "Liberalize Law on Smoking Hemp!".

That suggests "t ...
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Son of Man,
Right now, what we have is an "unthinking" law". Remember the catalyst for this discourse --- refusal to grant bail for "puff"!

Our subject line said, "Liberalize Law on Smoking Hemp!".

That suggests "think", and act rationally, with respect to use, "recreational use". There are a lot more uses for the plant, than by MDs "directives" for "puff", if you will!
Kwame Dokyi 11 years ago

Walking on the path towards HIV,marijuana must stop you to reflect!!

Walking on the path towards HIV,marijuana must stop you to reflect!!
francis kwarteng 11 years ago

Dear Dokosi,

Good day.

I wanted to confirm what I am about to say before getting back to you. It has to do with who likely brought the plant to the Americas.

Of course, marijuana is native to Central Asia but it does ...
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Dear Dokosi,

Good day.

I wanted to confirm what I am about to say before getting back to you. It has to do with who likely brought the plant to the Americas.

Of course, marijuana is native to Central Asia but it does appear it may have been enslaved Africans who brought the plant to the Americas.

Interestingly, colonial authorities reported on the plant's extensive usage across Africa, during the slavery era and during the colonial period.

In that regard, I want you to see the strength of an alternative theory by reading Martin A. Lee's book "Smoke Signals: A Social History of Marijuana--Medical, Recreational and Scientific."

You can also let me know if the writer's evidence wrong or weak!

Thanks.
Prof Lungu 11 years ago

Angolan slaves - ~1549, to Brazil!

This website has a "treasure" trove of information, by date/approx. period, on "HEMP"!

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

www.advancedholistichealth.org/history.html

;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;

...
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Angolan slaves - ~1549, to Brazil!

This website has a "treasure" trove of information, by date/approx. period, on "HEMP"!

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

www.advancedholistichealth.org/history.html

;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;

For the US, of note is:

"1910 - The Mexican Revolution caused an influx of Mexican immigrants who introduced the habit of recreational use (instead of it's generally medicinal use) into American society."

That is how HEMP as a "drug" became "racialized", and subsequently, prohibited in the US, particularly after

"1936 The American propaganda film Reefer Madness..."

, with larger impacts on many other countries and their "imported drug policies".
francis kwarteng 11 years ago

Dear Prof. Lungu,

Thanks for the information. Insightful.

As a matter of fact, you are perfectly right, Prof. Lungu. Lee's writings the Mexican Revolution covers its connection to the arrival of the plant across the US ...
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Dear Prof. Lungu,

Thanks for the information. Insightful.

As a matter of fact, you are perfectly right, Prof. Lungu. Lee's writings the Mexican Revolution covers its connection to the arrival of the plant across the US-Mexican border into the US.

However, regulation of the plant, that is Cannabis sativa, specifically, seems to have taken place in the US around 1620 or so.

In fact, its regulation as a poison began in several American states around 1906.

The other interesting historical records I have read outside Lee's historical work, Prof. Lungu, regards pre-colonial use of the drug in Africa, as I believe your citations may well prove to be the case, and colonial administrations allowing its cultivation in the southern part of Africa, specifically, as a strategy to ease the physical suffuring of Africans who toiled on cash crops the colonial administrations needed to underwrite the expenses of administrating the colonies.

I have also seen certain historical records outside Lee's where the plant was used for recreational purposes (in colonial Africa) as it was believed it enhanced men's sexual appetite and spiritual powers of some priests, among others.

That notwithstanding, your citations are insightful and I would have wished if Michale E. Dokosi's research had gone futher than his essay.

All errors are mine.

Thanks, Prof. Lungu.

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OPINION: The ordeal of Kwaw Kese and the grand debate on Marijuana use

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