#BTColumn – The maths of marijuana (Part 1)

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by this author are their own and do not represent the official position of the Barbados Today.

by The National Council of Substance Abuse

Have you ever considered the mathematics of marijuana? One may argue that marijuana can be a revenue earner for a country and or a business owner. But from the perspective of the user, is the bottom line a profit or a loss?

With any good business, the income must be greater than the expenses in order to achieve a profit.

In the same way, let us consider the ‘mathematics of marijuana’ use:

1. Does marijuana use subtract from a user’s finances?

2. When a person chooses to use marijuana, does marijuana add to his or her life?

3. Does marijuana divide the family of the user?

4. What does marijuana multiply in a user’s life?

It is reported that a marijuana cigarette cost approximately $3.00 in Barbados. At an average of two marijuana cigarettes per a day, at the end of one week $42 would have been spent.

At the end of one month, providing that there are no price or consumption increases, $168 would have literally gone up in smoke.

Let us consider for a moment some of the things that perhaps one can accomplish with $168 a month:

1. Baby formula, pampers and wipes

2. Bus fare for two weeks or more for an individual.

3. Gas or diesel for your personal transportation

4. It can pay in some cases, both the water and
light bills.

5. It can buy groceries to feed a family and bottled gas to cook.

6. You can pay your child’s petty fees, school books, and purchase other school supplies.

7. You can purchase clothing and shoes.

8. Deposit on a savings account.

If a person is found by the Royal Barbados Police Force to have in their possession half an ounce or less of marijuana, they will be issued a ticket to pay the court $200 within 30 days.

The National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA) encourages you to “Know The Facts, Before You Make The Choice”.