Exploring the Case for Marijuana Legalization in Indonesia: Environmental, Justice, and Medicinal Perspective
Is it possible to reduce the crime rate and improve the economy through the legalisation of marijuana in Indonesia?
Although Indonesian law classifies marijuana as a class 1 substance. Why have many developed nations legalized it at this point?
The criminalization of marijuana in Indonesia was based on an agreement made in 1961 by the United Nations. The same agreement also led to the criminalization of marijuana across the globe. At that time, Indonesia was under President Soekarno who agreed to this agreement, and then he just copied and pasted it into the narcotics law of this country.
But as we all know, the UN revised this agreement in 2020. However in Indonesia there has been no change at all until today.
Among the numerous topics debated. There are three main reasons why marijuana legalization should be an option to think about; legalization for the environment, legalization for justice, and legalization for medication.
Environmental responsibility and sustainable cultivation are the initial reasons for legalizing marijuana. Illegal cultivation often involves practices that are have detrimental effect to the environment, such as the use of chemical pesticides, which can pollute the soil, water, and surrounding ecosystem. Most illegal marijuana farmers cut down forests to clear land for their farms; this will have an impact on natural life in the forest and will also result in deforestation.
There have been more negative effects than good ones from marijuana criminalization in Indonesia. Because of its illegal status, those communal entities that use its benefits for goods may be arrested and imprisoned. Many people have fallen for this issue, including young people and well-known figures. Because of the lack of clear and open regulations, those who truly require assistance will also continue to be held, and those who use it without causing harm are always tormented by the thought of spending their lives in prison. Created costly court battles and stifled the criminal justice system.
Legalization would give the courts more time to deal with serious issues and free up jail space for people who got caught using marijuana. On top of that, it would save the state money since fewer people would be in prison.
Furthermore, with the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes. Surrounding nations such as Thailand and Malaysia have legalized this with clear laws and regulations. Epilepsy is one example of a disease that can be treated. The cannabinoid content of marijuana leaves is thought to be able to reduce seizures in people who suffering from epilepsy.
According to the American Cancer Society, the substance in marijuana leaves can help cancer patients enhance their quality of life, and Marijuana can also help with nausea and vomiting, which are side effects of chemotherapy.
When it comes to the medical benefits of marijuana, one of the most underappreciated uses is for recreational purposes. A lot of people disagree with this because marijuana is often seen as a negative thing, even recreation is a part of medication itself.
As an Indonesian citizen we all know Marijuana and even its benefits are taboo things to talk about. With the shadow of severe punishment hanging over it, which appears to cover all of its benefits for life’s necessities.
Hopefully, in the future, when technology becomes more advanced, our apprehension of the truth never swell into a veil of ignorance.
Furthermore, no more people will suffer under the unreasonable regulations. Like the arrest of Fidelis Ari for using marijuana extract on his unconscious wife, which ultimately led to her funeral. I hope it will never happen again. And individuals with epilepsy like Musa have the right to rehabilitate in peace.
#STOPGANJAPHOBIA
