Caribbean Community agrees to consider legalizing cannabis

The CARICOM community, consisting of 15 member states, including the Bahamas, Jamaica, Haiti, Guyana, Suriname, recently agreed to consider legalizing cannabis.

With the exception of Jamaica and Belize, Although some countries have legalized medical use and decriminalized cannabis, respectively, cannabis remains illegal in the Caribbean. This situation could well change soon, since following the 29th^ème At the CARICOM summit, the review of the legal status of cannabis is now on the community’s agenda.

The Regional Commission's Report on Cannabis

In 2014, the community formed a regional commission tasked with studying, over a four-year period, all the social, economic, health, and political implications related to cannabis and deciding on a possible reclassification that would decriminalize its use. The Commission consists of 10 experts in scientific, medical, legal, and social issues, as well as young religious representatives.

A thorough survey of the population A survey of each member country revealed similarities in the public discourse on cannabis. The survey showed that curiosity about the issue was widespread and that a segment of the population was already advocating for access to cannabis, particularly for medical use. The lack of public education on the issue, as well as the absence of a coherent regional approach, were highlighted in countries that have already decriminalized cannabis.

The Commission was also tasked with issuing its opinion on the legal and administrative reforms to be implemented in the event of reclassification. Consequently, it recommended replacing the criminalization of cannabis with state regulation, similar to that of alcohol. It also emphasized that the current classification does not allow for effective scientific research into the therapeutic benefits of cannabis.

The Response from Heads of Government

Following the presentation of the report at the 29th CARICOM Summit, held in Jamaica from July 4 to 6, the heads of government of the member states announced, in a press release, that they would consider the matter.

They state that they have taken note of the findings of the investigation, particularly regarding human and religious rights, the social and health impacts of cannabis use among adolescents, and the economic benefits associated with potential legalization. They acknowledge that the current classification hinders scientific research on cannabis and agree that a review of its current status is necessary. Finally, they agreed that it is up to each state to achieve the objectives set forth by the commission using its own methods.

CARICOM Heads agreed that each Member State, in accordance with its own circumstances, would determine the course of action it will take with regard to the legal reform models proposed by the Regional Marijuana Commission. #CARICOMJa2018

— Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) July 8, 2018

ADVERTISING