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Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has called for a debate on the use of marijuana for religious and medicinal purposes, but the discussions must first be held with local and international stakeholders before any legislation is brought to the Parliament.

The call has come a week after a senior Cabinet minister called on Dominicans to begin a debate on the issue of decriminalizing of marijuana for medicinal purposes or otherwise.

Speaking on a radio program recently, Skerrit told listeners that he supports the use of marijuana for medicinal and religious purposes. He said there are many people in the country who have proclaimed that marijuana oil is helping them fight cancer and treat issues relating to suffering from cancer.

“I believe that the citizens of Dominica need to seriously engage on this matter for marijuana for medicinal purposes,” Skerrit said.

He said a decision of this nature cannot just be taken in abeyance noting, “there are a number of other aspects one has to consider.”

Recently, Deputy Prime Minister Reginald Austrie said he was baffled as to why Dominicans are afraid of debating the issue of decriminalizing of marijuana, whether it is for medicinal or other purposes.