Should marijuana be legalised in Samoa? Why? Reporter Vatapuia Maiava asked in today’s Street Talk and this is what some people said:

Apisaloma Leusogi, 22, Vaitele – Uta

In my opinion, it is all up to the government of Samoa. If they say we should keep it illegal then we should keep it that way. 

There is no use for that plant in our country so I feel that we should keep it that way. Even with all its medical properties, if the government says to keep it illegal, then what more can we do? Honestly, it’s up to the government.

Sione Tavita, 20, Vaitele

I have never smoked marijuana before so I wouldn’t know why people would want to. People say they like it but I don’t understand why. There are people who say it will be good for the country and there are people that say it’s bad. 

What I do know about marijuana is that it’s a plant that has similar effects as alcohol. People who smoke will lose control of their bodies and might get into accidents on the road so maybe we should keep it illegal. But then again, I don’t know because I haven’t tried it.

Pere Tumaai, 21, Faleula

I agree that marijuana should be legalized to a certain extent. For the main part, I believe the use of marijuana should be only legalized for medical use such as those diagnosed with autism. There have been countless and continuous studies carried out that prove the use of medical cannabis has 100 percent effective reactions with minimum side effects. 

As for legalizing for recreational use among the public, I believe that with proper monitoring of commercial usage, the public who suffer the slightest pain and sickness can be relieved of their daily struggle such as chronic back pains, severe migraines and so on.

Elika Julie, 16, Vaitele

I don’t understand what’s so great about marijuana. I don’t understand much about it so I feel that if the government wants to keep it illegal then what more can we do. 

There is a reason why it’s illegal so I say to keep it that way here in Samoa. So no, don’t legalize marijuana in Samoa.

Frankie Ah Kuoi, 28, Toamua

To be honest, I am undecided with this topic. I feel that it should be legal for those who are sick and need it to ease the pain or to help cure sicknesses that need it but it should also be illegal for those who just want to smoke it to have a good time. 

That’s all I have to say on this topic. It’s up to the government to decide.

Talafaalelotu Seupule, 54, Vaivase

I agree that there are many medical properties in the marijuana plant. It’s useful for those who have illnesses that require its use but it is useless for the general public. The problem with legalizing marijuana is that there is always a possibility of people abusing it and it will lead to more crazy people in the country. 

People lose control when they overuse that plant. There are benefits to legalizing it and negative sides so my answer would be to compromise. Legalize it for those who actually need it for illnesses and other purposes but keep it illegal to everyone else.