DDCB frowns on attempts to legalise cannabis

The legalisation of currently illegal substances or promoting tobacco and alcohol will not help to develop tourism, the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka (CCPSL) has said.

According to the latest report by the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, drug-related police apprehensions have increased by 13 percent with cannabis being the reason for the highest number of arrests in Sri Lanka in 2021, the CCPSL has said in a media statement.

“Any type of legality related to drugs will result in the increase of availability which will increase the prevalence of drug use. Those countries where legalization and decriminalization of cannabis have demonstrated an increase in use, particularly in young adults which is projected to have an increase in negative mental health impacts. They have reported increased rates of accidents and deaths, particularly motor vehicles,” the College of Community Physicians said.

They added that Sri Lanka is going through one of the worst economic recessions in history and the government is experimenting with different remedial strategies.

“Tourism development is seen as one of the avenues available and some groups, possibly purposely, misguide the policy-makers on the ways the country should move on. Cannabis has been discussed on many fronts as a product for export and in relation with tourism development. The pandemic has changed the way we live, work, and even travel. As the world reimagines the way we value our health and our environment, wellness travel is seeing a sharp rise in popularity among tourists, whether local or international. Therefore, legalization of currently illegal substances or promoting tobacco and alcohol will not help in developing tourism,” they said.