Once again the Barbadian government is on the road to creating more legislation that hinders the holistic empowerment of its people.
I, like many other Barbadians can vividly recall the times when we could walk into a health shop and purchase a Hemp Shake, or the hemp protein powder to make our own at home. Protein powders are popular nutritional supplements used by athletes, bodybuilders and those trying to gain weight or increase muscle mass.
Hemp protein powder is one of the more popular varieties, made by grinding pressed hemp seeds into a fine powder. It has an earthy, nutty taste and is often added to shakes or smoothies to boost protein intake. Hemp is a high-quality vegan protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, plus fiber, healthy fats and minerals.
To simply put it, hemp is one of the best plant based sources for the intake of protein. Other plant based sources of protein include nuts, beans, legumes, soybeans, whole grains, seeds (flax, pumpkin) and peas. None of these sources of protein need a prescription, so why then hemp? Do you need a prescription to access the wide range to protein and other supplements that are found in health shops and some supermarkets? Why then hemp?
I think Barbados is owed an explanation on the rationale for impending legislation that is intended to prohibit the sale of hemp products, without a prescription.
Internationally, no prescription or doctor is needed for the purchase of hemp or CBD oils since these products do not contain THC like cannabis does. Therefore, the average consumer can purchase these hemp and CBD products from a wide variety of stores and online venues, making experiencing the health benefits of these oils easier than ever before with no prescription necessary.
What would you do if the government stated tomorrow that Mangoes were illegal? Would you remove your Mango Tree, or would you remove the government? Today Hemp is our Mango!
It seems that the Barbadian government is more interested in controlling the economics of the hemp and cannabis industries, steering it away from the masses of Barbadians to position it in the hands of the few.
While we are smack bang in the height of heightened Black consciousness, building on the call for justice and equality for African descended people intentionally, Barbados is “HELL” bent on violating human and constitutional rights by creating structures within a legal framework intended to disenfranchise its citizens.
The people of Barbados cannot condone the actions of The Minister of Health and Wellness who has announced plans to crack down on businesses selling products that should only be sold by pharmacies.
According to the CBC news it is understood that these include products made from hemp and cannabis and those used for skin lightening.
To stamp their greedy paws on all revenue that the average Barbadian can attain from the diverse hemp and cannabis industries, Health Minister, Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Bostic, says changes are coming to the Pharmacy Act. Is it not amazing how the government can change laws in order disadvantage its people, while failing to create legislation to empower them, in relation to the topic at hand.
These changes are expected to among other things, deal with establishments which are not registered as pharmacies, but have been selling pharmaceutical products.
