JLP supports move to decriminalize ganja

The opposition Jamaica Labour Party has welcomed government’s move to decriminalize the possession of  small amounts of ganja.

Justice Minister Mark Golding made the announcement on Thursday, June 12.

The matter is to be debated in parliament.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday afternoon, Mr Golding says the decriminalization has been under consideration and the proposed changes to the law are consistent with the position adopted by a number of countries.

Under the proposed changes, the Dangerous Drugs Act will be amended to make possession of small quantities of ganja a ticketable infraction.

This will attract instead, a monetary penalty which will be payable outside the court system and will not carry a criminal penalty.

Mr Golding  also announced that a bill is to be tabled in parliament that will seek to expunge the criminal records of persons convicted for possession of small amounts of ganja.

There have been recent calls from members of government and the opposition for the laws to be relaxed.

Only this week in parliament opposition spokesperson on science Dr Andrew Wheatley called for the legalization of ganja for medical use In responding to today’s announcement Dr Wheatley says government should now look at exploring the use of the marijuana for medicinal purposes .

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