Re-examining marijuana laws

By Alex Gratzek – Originally published in The Korea Times

Recently, Canada joined Uruguay in becoming the second nation in the world to legalize marijuana.

It is time for Korea to re-examine its relationship with hemp and marijuana since the 1976 Marijuana Control Act was put into effect under the leadership of then dictator Park Chung-hee. This act effectively outlawed the possession and smoking of marijuana while creating strict regulations governing the cultivation of hemp.

Within Korea, the cultivation of hemp goes back before the common era. Fabric found in Korea dating back to 3,000 BCE contained hemp. Sambe was traditionally used in more recent times for Korean clothing.

Although there is no evidence that can prove or disprove consumption of marijuana through smoking it, it is highly likely that ancient practitioners of Korean Shamanism partook in its ritualized consumption. During the Japanese occupation of Korea, hemp was grown commercially throughout the Korean Peninsula.

Despite the long history of hemp cultivation within Korea and possessing a significant role within society, the plant was only outlawed in recent times. The illegalization of hemp and marijuana came in two phases coinciding with the increase of American influence within South Korea.

In 1957 President Syngman Rhee outlawed “Indian marijuana” largely due to the influx of American troops who were permanently stationed in Korea following the ending of the Korean War.

The cultivation of “Korean marijuana” continued on until 1976 when it was outlawed under then President Park. The consumption of marijuana had become more prevalent during the 1960s and early 1970s.

The increased consumption could be traced back to American influence in the form of the counterculture and hippies which emanated from American Army bases. President Richard Nixon, in an effort to demonize his political opponents, launched a “war on drugs” in an attempt to disrupt the hippies and counter-culturalists who were opposed to his administration.

Likewise, President Park saw the increasing usa of marijuana among the youth of South Korea as an opportunity. Students and young people had been the traditional opponents of the military dictatorship so it made sense for him to take a page from Nixon’s playbook in an effort to hobble the opponents of his regime.

The result was the outlawing of marijuana and hemp and its portrayal as a threat to the fabric of society. Many musicians were made examples of in order to cow their followers into submission.

Within America, attitudes toward Marijuana are shifting in favor of its decriminalization, allowance for medicinal purposes or even outright legalization and regulation as in Colorado. As the winds shift in America on the topic and the rest of the world, it is natural for Korea to re-examine its own relationship.

With the legalization of marijuana in Canada, South Korea holds that any citizens who use marijuana abroad will be subject to punishment in Korea. This is a dangerous road which should not be trodden without careful deliberation.

In Thailand, if one is robbed and posts on social media about the incident, then that person can be subject to punishment for the besmirchment of Thailand.

Koreans would be livid at the treatment of Koreans in such circumstances as it goes against what an open society should stand for. The same should apply to Koreans who are punished for doing something which is legal in their circumstances.

Dr. Kwon Yong-hyun, head of the Korean Cannabinoid Association, advocates for the use of medical cannabis to further the care of patients in pain.

“There are some types of diseases that can only be cured with medical marijuana, and it also helps in easing some symptoms, and treatments,” Kwon said.

He continued by pointing out that tens of thousands of studies and medical procedures over the years have found medical marijuana to be effective in treating numerous diseases including epilepsy, atopic dermatitis, dementia and Parkinson’s disease.

One of the most prominent issues in Korean society today is the economy and the lack of economic opportunities for today’s youth. An estimated one in 10 youths aged between 15 and 29 are out of work. A radical approach to the issue would see the outright legalization of marijuana.

It would immediately create a new industry overnight and would drive job creation via the new industry and the accompanying increased demand for services it would create. It has been estimated that 18,000 jobs were created in Colorado due to the legalization of marijuana. Colorado has a population of just over 5 million.

Currently, many tourists go to places like the Netherlands, Canada, Colorado or other places where marijuana is tolerated if not strictly legal.

The legalization of marijuana in Korea would create a new destination for tourists in Northeast Asia. Neither Japan nor China currently allows marijuana to be consumed legally. Korea would hold a monopoly for marijuana tourists in the region.

As the world opinion on marijuana and hemp changes, it is natural for Korea to re-examine its relationship with the plant and drug. At a minimum, those who use marijuana abroad in legal settings should not be subjected to punishment.

A middle road would be to allow for the use of medicinal cannabis and the easing of regulations governing the growing of hemp which holds a wide range of industrial uses and a THC count so low as to not produce a high effect if smoked. A radical approach would be for the regulation and legalization of marijuana.