Joel Julien
joel.julien@guardian.co.tt
Last July, Nkechi Phillips was at her Gasparillo home when police officers stormed in.
“When the police came to my house they treated me like I was the worst kind of criminal, “ Phillips said as she recounted the incident.
“Two van loads of officers came and ransacked my house while my three children were crying, “ she said.
When the officers searched Phillips’ home they discovered two marijuana trees.
“All I have is two trees I use for medicine. I am a herbalist, “ Phillips told the officers.
Phillips was arrested and charged.
She was eventually taken before San Fernando magistrate Alicia Chankar.
Phillips pleaded guilty to the charge and was eventually fined $3000.
If she did not pay that fine Phillips faced the possibility of time in jail.
Less than a year and a half after that incident if the same situation occurred Phillips would have no charges to answer.
From today the new cannabis law will allow for four marijuana plants in each household.
“That is good news, “ Phillips said.
Phillips said she hopes to get her criminal record expunged following the decriminalisation.
“Too many people were locked up and victimised because of this plant, “ Phillps said.
Phillips said marijuana is not just about “getting high” but has many medicinal benefits.
Phillips, who follows the teachings of Dr Sebi, said the plants were for her own personal use.
She now manages an office on the Claxton Bay Main Road that distributes Dr Sebi’s products.
Phillips said she has known marijuana to help people suffering with asthma, bronchitis and other ailments.
While she lauded the first step in decriminalisation, Phillips called for more to be done for those who would like to participate in the medicinal marijuana industry locally.
Phillips said the cost of licences are too exorbitant.