Also known as Global Ganja March, this manifestation is sort of traditional peacefull protest held in many cities around the globe aimed at legalizing or decriminalizing marijuana use.
Even though i can’t find many arguments against decriminalization of hemp in Serbia, i would have to say that i can’t see this on the list of priorities this country has right now, with much more serious issues such as continuing negotiations with European Union being number one priority, once we get the other priority done with – arresting and delivering Ratko Mladic to Hague, but first another priority – forming the government, to name a few of our priorities at this moment.
The third Ganja March in Belgrade will start on 5th of May at 15h at the Republic Square – hopefully i will manage to get some pictures so you can see how it went over here.
More info (in Serbian):
Legalizacija
Dekriminalizacija myspace
Konoplja wikia
People are usually very divided on this issue, and frankly, I can’t decide myself if legalization is OK or not in Serbia. I would however have to say that the penalties for having any amount of weed are very strict here and i would definately support decreasing them to some reasonable level. Right now owning any amount of marijuana in Serbia is considered to be almost as serious crime as selling large quantities of it or even growing it, or sometimes so serious as selling some hard drugs.
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Legalize it!
There are several ways to look at this issue. One of them is that the legalization of marijuana would prevent users going to illegal sources for the stuff, and those illegal sources often lead them into harder drugs or try to. Supposedly, if you could buy your marijuana joint at a local tobacconist’s kiosk you’d be safer from the drug criminals.
But then there’s the fact that today’s marijuana is 7 times stronger than marijuana was in the 60’s. And the fact that it can actually induce hallucinations and delusions in some people. Not to mention that, in contrast to alcohol, marijuana is stored much longer in the body because it is stored in the fat cells.
I really don’t give a toss who wants to smoke the stuff, or eat it, or whatever, but the problem is that it’s being used by very young kids — and that’s the biggest problem. If there is some way that legalizing it would make it harder for 12 year old kids to get, it I’d be all for that. I just don’t believe it will make any difference.
@Blackbird: Finally a good use for my spare tire.
I don’t think that just because we have priorities, we should abandon all other causes. It opens up the possibility to suppress important issues just because we have “more important” things to do first.
Generally I think marijuana should be legalized and properly regulated like cigarettes or alcohol, but it isn’t something I would personally take to the streets for.
Marko, i don’t mean to abandon, just postpone some minor couses in a way. Like the new Formula one circuit suggested by Velja Ilic for example. I’d put that even further below the weed case. Much further.
Blackbird, i don’t know about the strength of the stuff we get here – it comes mostly from Albania, you can imagine the quality. I don’t believe it is seven times stronger than anything.
Any Serb who buys marijuana knowing that its origin or handling is Albanian or Kosovan is directly contributing to the cash resources used against Serbia because Albanian drug money is what is buying American politicians for their side.
Here’s a recent article about marijuana strength increasing to ridiculous levels.
Blackbird, well, i guess we have several million traitors in the country then.
Those that have a conscience will have to come to terms with themselves.
Blackbird,
I find your statment of any Serb knowing offensive and ignorant. I also find your conscience comment fake and false. You are blatently putting your own personal values over those who choose different than you and judging them. That is very wrong in my opinion.
I teach and have taught my boy to stay away from the joint because it can land him in jail. If it were legal and he wanted to use it I would educate him on it’s affects. How in the world anyone can say Pot is more harmful than liquor is beyond me. How many wives get beat by drunken husbands? How many kids get beat and abused by drunken parents?
You have been tought a certain way your entire life and you choose to follow this lifestyle. That is great but, to force someone upon your way of life is wrong. There are millions of people out there who know different and have lived their lives just as long as you have lived your life.
I’m sorry but, I can not support your view on this subject. It is too damaging to true and honest citizens.
Respectfully,
John