Being what it is - a Herb, it is medicinal, ecology friendly, non-addictive, spiritually inspirational, described in the scriptures as “for the healing of the nation”, a catalyst for reasoning. It encourages meditation and goodwill among mankind, cultivating gentleness, love for ones fellowman, mental and meditative stimulation, a restful mind and an acute sense of consciousness. Besides all these, its propensities to a beneficial society are countless as verified in the medical journals throughout time. What it definitely is not, is being addictive, a so-called gateway to drug using, (this is based in the perception that it is a drug) and as it does not contain any addictive propensities, it cannot be classified as a drug. Maybe one can extract some narcotic chemicals from it, but so can you from a potato.

Admittedly, it is easily influenced in being conjuncted with other substances, and yet again, so can hundreds of other essences. Sometimes good, sometimes bad but using it on it’s own as we are wont, has got no negative impact whatsoever in our lives. Definitely on the contrary. Although there is no sense using it in copious amounts, (one would only end up sleeping it off), there is no proven detrimental effects either.

Our appeal for a relaxation of the laws regarding the use of our Herb should not be based, nor concerned with the validity or attraction of the Rastafari faith or beliefs; (this is a known and accepted fact) only with the earnest and sincerity of that faith and belief. Many may, could and do cite our tenets and doctrines, which can easily be acquired as Rastafari is no secret; and still not have the probity and conviction. Even then, I must point out in mitigation, it is they who have not yet fully comprehended the calling of the Rastafari.

To us it is not something that is paraded in front of everyone, yet we are not ashamed of using it publicly either. Whenever it is used, the purpose is to stimulate the power of reasoning, meditation and an intense consciousness, as well as a confirmation of our faith in HIM. It affords us the ability to look into ourselves as responsible servants, brothers, sisters and friends in the name of Jah in us and to seek and live righteously. It makes us aware that violence in any form, corruption and wickedness should be combated through the teachings of life. It forms the basis of our worship and rituals and is an intricate facet in the way of the life we have adopted. There is no way one can be Rastafari and not make use of the Herb, although it must be borne in mind that it is not all smokers who are Rastafari and not every Rastafari is a smoker.

This petition, although pertinent, should not be overtly concerned about the economic, medicinal or other uses of our Herb, but the consumption thereof as dictated by our spiritual beliefs. It is not about ‘getting high’ but the intense spiritual value it imparts. The use of our Herb in or out of our spiritual ceremonies has a profoundly divine effect on Rastafari, without the intent of offending any other person or living being. Which, on the contrary, brings about the consciousness and awareness of the concept of I and I - ONENESS in all living beings, organic and non organic.

We are not out to flout the laws of the land or want to portray lawlessness. I consider myself one of the most law abiding citizen in the world. I do not steal, molest no man, woman, child or beast; try to maintain moral integrity as directed by the teachings of His Majesty, endeavour to live righteous by example; respect and obey the countries laws, albeit parsimoniously and pay my taxes and service dues. I am respected within my communities, within religious circles, my place of employment, my friends, colleagues, family and on sight acquaintances. Yet it is visible to everyone who and what my spiritual convictions are. I do not claim to be a good person, (we all fall short of that glory); we persist in our efforts to be and do good .

On a personal basis, I speak for myself but please note that it is a general way of life embraced, if not by all, who prescribe to the values of Rastafari as edicted by H. I. M. King Haile Sealssie I Jah Rastfarai. In a convoluted and truer sense, I do speak for all the children of Jah Rastafari all over the world. It is the will of H. I. M. that we maintain our dignity, integrity and respectability at all times.

In essence, regarding this script, the petition is to advocate that we be legally allowed to grow our own herb, even it be on a prescribed basis initially. The idea is that seeing as there is a limitation between a user and a dealer, we should have a concession to grow for consumption as users and not for commercial purposes.

IT’S THE MOST USELESS THING IN LIFE TO GO TO JAIL FOR GANJA

As Rastafari, especially Elders, we owe it to ourselves to step up now and bequeath this wonderful legacy to the youth of the day and to our idrens and their idrens. I know some will diss my plea with all sorts of excuses why it won’t happen but I believe that as conscious human beings, there is nothing we cannot achieve, IF WE WILL IT. Look at the horrible state of our polluted Earth, we did it all by ourselves, willingfully (my word)

Maybe some legal buff can come up with a viable, legal action plan of approaching our dilemma and predicament. ????

RASTAFARI