By Dale Peck
"Ganja" the popular name for the marijuana plant amongst the Jamaican Rastafarian and reggae sub-cultures has always held a special place of honor for its many perceived benefits. These are further explored in the book "Grow Jamaica" written by Reverend Leeroy Campbell, which provides solid reasons as to why this herb should be made a legal crop. The Grow Jamaica movie is based on the opinions expressed in the book and further elaborates on them in an engaging one-hour long documentary that examines this issue as seen through the eyes of several Jamaican people.
Before his death in 2009, Reverend Campbell had devoted many years to conducting research on the nature and effects of the cannabis plant. The book talks about the history of hemp and cannabis, its many uses, and the events which lead to its criminalization. He argues that legalizing marijuana as a crop would give Jamaica a much needed boost in their economy.
Those concepts introduced by the book, are further fleshed-out in the film version. Various Jamaican with different occupations including economists, politicians, doctors, and police officers, offer their supporting opinions in favor of Campbell's proposition. The Reverend himself also speaks in the film, explaining his beliefs in a credible way that clearly reveals what a knowledgeable and gifted individual he was.
He also has several guest speakers weighing in on the subject, who are recognized and respected by the Jamaican community, they are namely Dr. Bragga, the musician Stephen Marley, and the broadcaster and actor Oliver Samuels. These men each present their own take on the ramifications of legalizing ganja in a way that presents the facts in a funny and anecdotal way.
The fact that Campbell had worked as a counselor and teacher gives him the ability to truly influence, reach, and motivate his audience. Evidence he uses to back his position are based on fact, rather than just opinions as he has performed numerous studies on the herb. He explains how there is much potential in marijuana as a valuable crop, since it is used in many industries such as tourism and food.
Hemp is related to marijuana but its concentration of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is considerably less, so it does not produce the same psychological effects as ganja does. It is a durable plant that can be used to make construction materials, a cotton-like fiber, environmentally-safe biofuels, and paper, which cuts down on deforestation. A hemp crop can grow rather quickly and does not need pesticides or frequent watering.
Another good quality of hemp is that it has several health benefits. Essential fatty acids necessary for various bodily functions are found in its seeds and oil, these substances have been proven to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Even with such valuable qualities, hemp is just as illegal as marijuana to grow and sell.
The Flash Point and BFI Film Festivals have selected and shown the Grow Jamaica movie, and it has attracted a considerable following from both viewers and critics. Its bold message certainly has great potential, and the day may come, if the decision makers' opinion of ganja can be changed, that it may be actualized.
Before his death in 2009, Reverend Campbell had devoted many years to conducting research on the nature and effects of the cannabis plant. The book talks about the history of hemp and cannabis, its many uses, and the events which lead to its criminalization. He argues that legalizing marijuana as a crop would give Jamaica a much needed boost in their economy.
Those concepts introduced by the book, are further fleshed-out in the film version. Various Jamaican with different occupations including economists, politicians, doctors, and police officers, offer their supporting opinions in favor of Campbell's proposition. The Reverend himself also speaks in the film, explaining his beliefs in a credible way that clearly reveals what a knowledgeable and gifted individual he was.
He also has several guest speakers weighing in on the subject, who are recognized and respected by the Jamaican community, they are namely Dr. Bragga, the musician Stephen Marley, and the broadcaster and actor Oliver Samuels. These men each present their own take on the ramifications of legalizing ganja in a way that presents the facts in a funny and anecdotal way.
The fact that Campbell had worked as a counselor and teacher gives him the ability to truly influence, reach, and motivate his audience. Evidence he uses to back his position are based on fact, rather than just opinions as he has performed numerous studies on the herb. He explains how there is much potential in marijuana as a valuable crop, since it is used in many industries such as tourism and food.
Hemp is related to marijuana but its concentration of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is considerably less, so it does not produce the same psychological effects as ganja does. It is a durable plant that can be used to make construction materials, a cotton-like fiber, environmentally-safe biofuels, and paper, which cuts down on deforestation. A hemp crop can grow rather quickly and does not need pesticides or frequent watering.
Another good quality of hemp is that it has several health benefits. Essential fatty acids necessary for various bodily functions are found in its seeds and oil, these substances have been proven to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Even with such valuable qualities, hemp is just as illegal as marijuana to grow and sell.
The Flash Point and BFI Film Festivals have selected and shown the Grow Jamaica movie, and it has attracted a considerable following from both viewers and critics. Its bold message certainly has great potential, and the day may come, if the decision makers' opinion of ganja can be changed, that it may be actualized.
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Show your support now by watching the Grow Jamaica movie. To see the trailer and read the blog, go to http://www.growjamaica.org.