9781422276945

• Indonesia • Colombia • Iran

In these countries, prison sentences of greater than ten years and a fine of U.S. $30,000 or more are not uncommon. If someone is caught possessing or selling large amounts of marijuana, they could face life in prison or a death sentence. If a tourist is caught bringing drugs into North Korea, for example, he or she may be sentenced to many years in a hard-labor prison camp. Many people don’t survive their sentences. Zimbabwe As it stands now, a person in Zimbabwe could face twelve years in prison if convicted of using marijuana. But this may soon change. This country in southern Africa is considering following the lead of many other African countries in legalizing marijuana for medical use. Advocates see marijuana as an opportunity to bring new foreign investment into the country. Helen Jackson, the author of AIDS Africa: Continent in Crisis , points out that: “Most recreational drugs are illegal. Marijuana needs special consideration. Although excessive use should be avoided, marijuana aids relaxation, acts as an anti-con- vulsant [stops or reduces the frequency of seizures], reduces nausea, and promotes a sense of well-being. It also stimulates appetite and thereby assists weight gain.”

Much-Needed Relief

The United Nations estimates that in the African country of Zimbabwe, nearly two million people over the age of fifteen are living with HIV/AIDs. This incurable and deadly disease causes dangerous weight loss, nausea, and lack of desire to eat, among other symptoms. Advocates of medical marijuana legalization see it as much-needed relief to this suffering.

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