After extensive discussions and reviews, Cabinet has approved a proposal to remove custodial sentences for persons found to be in possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana.
Government made this announcement today by way of its Public Information and Press Services Unit.
In a statement, it was revealed that “possession remains an offence; however, persons will not be sentenced to terms of imprisonment as obtained in the past.”
This is reportedly the first of several steps that the government intends to take as it considers the recently submitted Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Report on the usages of marijuana. Government has also said that consideration for this approach has also been linked “in particular (to) usages by our Rastafarian brothers and sisters who require it for use in their worship and sacrament.”
Several commentators have over the years shared their concerns about the excessive sentencing for the possession of meagre amounts of marijuana. In fact, a number of groups have been consistent in their appeals for legislators to legalise the substance which is said to have vast medicinal properties.
