Jabir’s call for legalization of marijuana sparks concern

Kaashidhoo MP Abdulla Jabir called for the legalization of medical marijuana in Maldives on Monday, sparking concern from fellow parliamentarians.

Jabir made the call during the parliamentary debate on a resolution submitted by West Henveiru MP Hassan Latheef calling for changes to the policy on treatment for drug addiction.

He said that Home Minister Imran Abdulla himself was aware of what needs to be done “to save this nation from the scourge of drugs”. He said the younger generation was getting destroyed as the issue lingers.

Jabir was that the only solution to the issue is to use medical marijuana.

“The sentence is the same as the person who uses powerful drugs. Medical marijuana should be legalized in Maldives. That’s the only treatment for this,” he said.

Jabir said that marijuana has already been legalized in “civilized countries”.

Maukunudhoo MP Mohamed Raee raised a point of order, and expressed concern Vilufushi MP Hassan Afeef, who was presiding over the sitting, made no move to stop Jabir from making the remarks.

He said that such comments that go against the religion of Islam must be stopped in such a holy month.

Afeef responded that there is room for in-depth debate at the Parliament, and that it was not against the religion.

He asked Jabir to continue.

However, Kelaa MP Ibrahim Shareef raised a point of order, and said that he does not believe talking about and promoting drugs is good.

Afeef said that parliamentarians do not engage in religious debates, and allowed Jabir to continue.