by Dr Neals J Chitan
The term Healing of the Nation can be found in the last book of the Bible and refers to a process of restoration of humans to their original state of perfection as established by the Creator in the beginning.
However, this phrase has been used locally for decades, if not more, when referring to the healing properties of marijuana and the need to legalise it, by users.
As a Crime Reduction and Behaviour Modification Specialist who has worked across many international demographics, I have heard the cry for decriminalisation and legalisation of the herb across the region. I have even been requested by the Chief Medical Officer of St Kitts-Nevis to research and present on the possible social impact of decriminalising and legalising to the Marijuana Commission when the government was in the process of legislating on the issue in 2019.
Although I too join the scientific researchers in proclaiming cannabis as one of the most multi-functional medicinal plant, we cannot ignore similar credible scientific researches that indicate the negative, if not devastating effects on the young developing brain, and I am so glad that the Lower House of Parliament here in Grenada considered those effects on our young people when discussing the Drug Abuse (Prevention and Control) Amendment Bill on 20 January 2026.
It was a pleasant moment in time to hear both the ruling and oppositional sides of the house all agreeing on the need to decriminalise the social use of marijuana, thus relieving youth from the lifetime burden of a criminal record for a simple possession charge. However, it was a breath of fresh air to hear both sides expressing the need for the real healing of the nation’s youth.
Despite the trending allegations of a pharmaceutical conspiracy of the quick prescribing of drugs by medical practitioners, there has been a paradigm shift in modern medicine where doctors are now first considering prevention before prescribing medication. And so, we too must first consider cause, intervention and prevention before encouraging the practice of marijuana use.
If the truth be told, there are a number of reasons for a young person to try marijuana. Weed will give that euphoria and emotional release that many stressed-out young people are craving. Stresses from dysfunctional homes, unfulfilled parental expectations, peer pressure, bullying, perceived failure, abuse in all forms and self-disappointments can put a youth in distress, searching for a way out, and the nudge of a friend to try a joint can provide that dopamine hit that will temporarily rescue them from their misery.
However, that high will soon be turned back into their low, if not lower, as the psychoactive effect subsides and the reality of their situation returns, thus leaving the user craving another joint to get back the high and escape the emotional pain of their trauma one more time. Can’t you see an open door into dependence and addiction?
Intentionally and cognitively addressing and teaching strategies and concepts to help deal with the source of the emotional pain, stress and trauma that our nation’s youth are experiencing is the real healing the nation needs!! Yep, marijuana with all its psychoactive effects will temporarily rescue them for a moment, but plunge them back, if not deeper into their misery, when the effects subside. However, patiently and caringly teaching emotional and mental health empowerment strategies and concepts can successfully break through the darkness and pain caused by stress, trauma, loss and abuse and render a more productive citizen with a winning attitude.
I am excited that the Ministry of Mental Health and Religious Affairs is considering partnering with us to launch a nationwide 2026 Emotional and Mental Health Community Empowerment Campaign across 16 communities throughout Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, thus heeding the concerns and warnings of our parliamentarians and bringing Healing to the Nation!!
Dr Neals Chitan is an International Social Skill Consultant and Crime Reduction Specialist who holds a PhD in Social and Behavioural Sciences and currently works in Grenada. He is the President/Founder of Motiv-8 For Change International, a Toronto-based Social Skill Agency, and can be reached from North America at 647-692-6330 and locally 473-416-8377 or at [email protected]
So appreciated my sister!
Well said Dr. Chitan. It’s paramount that both sides of the coin are being heard and taken into account before any legislation is made, to decriminalize Marijuana. Those working with the youth have had first hand knowledge and experience of the negative prolonged effects and consequences of using the drug. Therefore, we as a nation are obligated and have a moral and ethical responsibility to put the necessary provisions in place to protect our youth from further abusive cycles preventing them from reaching their full potential as adults.
Couldn’t say it better myself my friend! Sure right, we see it in our everyday interaction with our nation’s youth. I guess who sees it knows it! Blessings
Well said Dr Chitan
So appreciated my sister!