Concerns are mounting in Dominica over the possible implications of medicinal cannabis use on youth and sports, with Dominica Olympic Committee President Billy Doctrove warning of potential risks if safeguards are not carefully enforced.
Doctrove acknowledged the legitimacy of medical and religious use of cannabis but expressed alarm over what he described as the likely “leakage” of the substance into recreational circulation. He argued that such a development could expose young people, including athletes, to long-term risks that could derail both their careers and their lives.
One of the main issues highlighted was the lack of rehabilitation facilities on the island. Doctrove noted that many families simply do not have the resources to send relatives overseas for treatment, leaving them vulnerable if dependence or misuse arises. He stressed that dismissing the negative impact of cannabis is misguided, pointing to examples of promising athletes who lost focus and opportunities due to substance misuse.
His concerns come at a time when government and civil society continue to debate Dominica’s position on cannabis reform. While medicinal and sacramental use has seen growing acceptance, Doctrove insisted that the country cannot afford to overlook the broader social and developmental implications.
The debate ties directly into Dominica’s ambitions for youth development, particularly in sport, where discipline and focus are seen as essential. For Doctrove, the risk of cannabis undermining those values makes this a matter of national importance, one that demands careful consideration before policies are finalized.
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