Simply put, marijuana might easily be one of the most divisive elements of societies around the world (at least, at this time). While a large number of people avidly support this plant, their counterparts proudly voice their disapproval towards a plant that (in all honesty) isn’t the safest drug on the market. After all, pot has been connected to cognition and IQ problems later in life, as well as rare forms of addiction, and the drug itself does boast a high potential for abuse. So, as you can imagine, more conservative or protective nations would be rightfully way about integrating the plant into their culture. Take, for example, the current situation in Indonesia. Although multiple countries across Asia are starting to warm up to the little green herb (like Thailand, which recently legalized medical pot), Indonesia does not appear to be faltering and has maintained its strict zero-tolerance laws for marijuana. Nevertheless, as with any political movement, some people are starting to argue their points. Let’s take a closer look at the fight against zero-tolerance laws for marijuana in Indonesia.
Severe Punishment for Pot
Home to about 261 million people, Indonesia might have strict laws about marijuana, but, to date, this little herb is the most widely used illegal substance in the entire archipelago. As part of a front to combat the growing drug problem in Indonesia, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has planned to lift the law that issues a death penalty to drug peddlers and dealers. However, under these new plans, the Indonesian police would have the authority to shoot anyone who is dealing or trafficking marijuana on sight. For the people who choose to grow pot (at a high risk), men and women can face the death penalty or potentially pay 8 billion rupiah ($500,000 USD).
Transportation of Cannabis
So, if the laws are so Draconian in Indonesia, how does this little plant manage to be shipped across the borders, anyway? To answer that, you would have to travel several decades in the past to the region of Sumatra, where marijuana was planted to deter pests. Only in the 1920s did the Dutch colonists first introduce restrictions on the herb. Later, in 1971, the Indonesian government outlawed pot and declared it to be a Class-1 narcotic.
Fighting Back
However, in recent times, the Lingkar Ganja Nusantara (LGN), a group dedicated to the advocation of pot legalization, has come forward to argue against the harsh laws enforced throughout the country. Besides sponsoring film screenings and other public events, LGN also took part in the 2016 Marijuana March, despite Indonesia’s rigorous stance on this little herb. Besides arguing in favor of pot, though, LGN has hosted events for cleaning trash and planting trees as part of environmental initiatives.
Seeking Treatment for Marijuana Use Disorder
Marijuana may be marketed as an alternative medication, but only a few health benefits can be procured from this reputed “miracle plant.” Although the rate of addiction is relatively rare, you still do not want to take the chance that you could possibly become one of these few pot addicts. If you are trying to beat marijuana abuse or have a friend or family member who is coping with this terrible problem, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process detox and withdrawal and guide you through each step of rehabilitation to help you separate yourself from these substances.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can kick your marijuana use to the curb.
