Cuba bans communications about cannabis

The Cuban government recently tightened the ban on cannabis on the island with the passage of a new resolution, as reported by 14yMedio.

In addition to the importation or use of cannabis by a Cuban or a foreign national, whether for recreational or therapeutic purposes, the text also prohibits the possession of «beverages, materials, literature, propaganda, merchandise, objects, paraphernalia, e-cigarettes, or any other items that encourage, promote, or propagate the use of the cannabis plant (marijuana), the Erythroxylum coca (coca) and Banisteria laurifolia (ayahuasca) shrubs.».

In short, any clothing featuring a depiction of cannabis, or any book or documentary discussing its therapeutic use, is prohibited on the island.

The text considers that products that do not «themselves contain the active ingredients of the drug or substance,» but which depict or refer to it, constitute «incitement,» a «stimulus,» or «propaganda,» and are ultimately «harmful to human health.«.

Cuba has always taken a very firm stance on cannabis. While it is consumed there just as it is elsewhere, the sale and possession of cannabis for recreational purposes are illegal in Cuba. The Penal Code prescribes a prison term of 4 to 10 years for those who traffic, acquire, import, or export cannabis or any other plant with similar properties from the country.

In Quebec, Depictions of cannabis leaves are also prohibited for cannabis producers and sellers.