Thanks to the advent and evolution of the internet, the attack and parry response that happened between Honduras and Nicaragua, did not go unnoticed. The two Central American countries, as well as El Salvador, became the locale of a terrible war called Iran Contra.

For those who are unaware of the battle, the summary, at least from a North American point of view, is that it was similar to Vietnam. The war bore lots of actors with immortal titles, countless ammunition, and considerable violence slightly south of Mexico’s border. The battle had a major negative impact on the cities, and the vegetation and a lot of human lives were lost.

Just like most wars, it was a bloody one with all sides to be blamed for various issues. However, human rights atrocities were said to have occurred less on the Nicaraguan side. On the global scale, various countries took sides and the Reagan Government was recognized to fully support the Contras both covertly and illegally through illicit dealings of drugs.

On the other side, the current president of Nicaragua, Daniel Ortega, spearheaded the resistance in his state. Against all odds, he overcame to have adult children and was able to become president through an election.

Back to the present time, and in this unprecedented and unique legalization history of cannabis, one of Ortega’s sons suggests the legalization of cannabis. He believes the discussion should be tabled at the federal level and the government should consider how well they can benefit from such a movement.

A lot of ironies present themselves outside of the father-son motive. This is because, during the war, both sides of Nicaragua and El Salvador were reported for carrying out illegal drug operations to fund the civil war. It turns out the Russians may not have been covertly funding Ortega after all. However, no questions were raised at the Soviet political level concerning the criminal and corrupt drug operations or arms exchange for drugs.

For the legalization of cannabis to now kick-off in both Honduras and Nicaragua in the same week speaks volumes on the stance of international bodies. Now, it won’t be out of place to question the direction of both the old and new drug war

Journey To the Bottom

The writing on the wall as regards the legalization of recreational cannabis was made clear almost a decade ago after Uruguay legalized recreational cannabis. Today, cannabis reforms have drastically impacted various economies across the globe. And while the climate of Central America is ideal for the cultivation of cannabis, there are concerns that it will lead to the rapid disappearance of the rainforests.

Honduras has put to table the outdoor cultivation of cannabis but the major problem the country now faces is the rapid deforestation of its rainforest. This dilemma is also true for Nicaragua, although a major difference between the countries exists. In Honduras, the county’s first female president is currently entertaining differing advice from her Vice President and husband (ex-president) on the present issue.

In Nicaragua, Vice President Rosario Murillo’s son and Juan Ortega Murillo, have openly declared that their cannabis reform and legalization would provide for the citizen’s welfare and interest. This is an indication that the government sees the possibility of establishing a regulated industry in the country.

Self-Sufficiency in Agriculture

Another fascinating point put forward is that cannabis production would surpass the production of self-sufficient food cultivation. This point was raised considering food security in the country as food sovereignty is a vital objective of the administration. Considering that the global prices of grains and cooking oil are beginning to rise courtesy of the Ukraine war, the issue of food security cannot be overlooked.

Frankly, this is a very difficult question to give a straightforward answer to given the deeply-rooted economic problems several countries are facing. While this question has taken several shapes in North America, Canada, and the USA, the question around the control of energy and water requirements needs to be answered.

Certainly, it will be very difficult to regulate a small cannabis farmer who cultivates a micro garden for personal and family use. Recreational or medical use of cannabis is something that shouldn’t be denied to the needy and that is the present case in several western countries. Nonetheless, this is a discussion for another time.

As regards the largest scale cultivation of cannabis in the rainforest, most of these activities are reported to be illegal. And above all, they cause a lot of damage both in the short and long term to rainforests across the globe. The cultivation of cannabis in the rainforest is said to be rapidly shrinking and reducing the rainforest which endangers the biodiversity of the ecosystem. That being said, It is truly notable that these concerns about the rainforest are raised even at the heart of various global crises and wars.

Possibly the ruderalis species of cannabis can be introduced to curb those deprived and more people can be encouraged to use virgin lands and other resources made available. But unfortunately, this argument has been repeatedly lost in the past.

Achieving a Global and Environmentally Sustainable Ecosystem

The combat over reforms in Latin and Central America unlike any other place has not begun to ask difficult questions. Above all, these questions are now being asked in the more prominent stage that the industry has so much avoided in past years. Hopefully, the right answers will come and a way forward would be achieved.

While the legalization of cannabis is truly a global emergency that is long overdue, it is vital, especially at this point, that counties do not destroy their economies and environment for the cannabis plant production. Especially since cannabis is rapidly being commoditized across the globe.

Conclusion

History has it that a lot of trades and bloody and long wars have been fought for access to several valuable resources. Cannabis, regardless of its healing and medicinal attributes should not be a resource to fight over.