Jamaica to take Major Step towards Decriminalisation of Weed

According to Justice Minister Mark Golding, Jamaica is to take a giant step towards the decriminalization of ganja.

The Dangerous Drugs Amendment Act 2015 is slated to be introduced to parliament shortly and will pave the way for the decriminalisation of marijuana

North East St Elizabeth MP Raymond Pryce, who has for some time favoured decriminalisation, was pleased with the announcement, saying it is the clearest sign yet of the Administration’s intention to have established in Jamaica a legitimate Ganja Industry in Jamaica.

The minister also said “The Human Rights issues are addressed, the Research and Medicinal opportunities are addressed, the Enterprise potential has also been appropriately addressed in the Bill”.

The new bill will include provisions for a Cannabis Licensing Authority. It will also contain a mechanism which will allow for removal a of the attachment of a criminal record for simple possession of ganja.

Meanwhile the Cannabis Commercial and Medicinal Research Taskforce, (CCMRT) says it is pleased at Cabinet’s bold move towards ganja decriminalisation and the establishment of a legal and regulated medical ganja regime.

Taskforce Director, Delano Seiveright says it expects the measures to be passed in Parliament in short order.

“The development is long overdue and comes after years and in recent times, heavy pressure from what is now a diverse and broadening group of stakeholders on human rights, social, economic, scientific and medical grounds,” Seiveright said.

Source: Loop Jamaica

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