Last Updated on August 6, 2019, 3:43 AM AST by Anthony Morris
The use of small amount of cannabis for a religious or private purpose will not be a criminal offence in the twin-island nation St Kitts and Nevis. The majority of the members of the National Assembly of St Kitts and Nevis here on July 31 voted for the Drugs Act (Amendments) to decriminalize the use of the small amount of cannabis and criminal penalties were replaced with community service and fines.
The government has termed the move as “a landmark” step after it was passed by the National Assembly, politicians said the move will produce positive results in the future.
As per new law approved by the National Assembly, the penalties for possession of up to 15g of cannabis will be changed. Further, the law will also allow the use of cannabis in private residences and in houses of worship for the Rastafarian community. Now people can also take permission for the cultivation of cannabis for private and religious use by applying to the Drug Council of the country.
According to the sources by the end of the week, making it the law of the land the new bill, which would decriminalise the use of Cannabis could be published in the Government Gazzette.
The move of decriminalization of the use of a small amount of cannabis came ahead of a deadline given by the High Court. In May this year, Some portions of the Drugs Act were struck down by the High Court judge Eddy Ventose making a statement that the blanket prohibition on the use of cannabis violated right to privacy and also the freedom of religion and conscience, so it is totally unconstitutional.
The Drugs Act (Amendment) was introduced to the National Assembly by Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris, who termed the new changes as “far-reaching and impactful” in the contrast to the Federations’ drug laws. He said the there is a regional trend to decriminalize the use of cannabis and by introducing new amendments St Kitts and Nevis has joined the Caribbean nations including Antigua and Barbuda and Jamaica who had already paved the way for the decriminalisation of cannabis.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
