Italy: a Rastafarian authorized to consume cannabis

An Italian court acquitted a man who was arrested with 58 grams of cannabis in his possession because he was using his «sacred herb» to meditate.

To explain the reasons behind the acquittal, the court in Bari, a small town in southern Italy, stated that «Rastafarians follow a religion whose adherents use cannabis for meditation,» adding that the substance was intended solely for personal use.

The 30-year-old man had been arrested in May 2016 after police found 8 grams of marijuana on him and 50 grams at his home.

The man had explained that he had set up a room in his home for meditation, where he listened to Rasta music while smoking cannabis.

The prosecutor had sought a 4-month prison sentence for him, but the defense attorney argued that the cannabis was considered a herb considered sacred by the Rastafarian religion.

Rastafarians do indeed believe in the sacred powers of cannabis and use it to meditate and strengthen their sense of unity and spirituality. A short prayer is traditionally recited before consumption.

Although it lacks international legal recognition, Rastafarianism is considered a religion in Jamaica, where it originated. Before Decriminalizing Cannabis, Jamaica had, in fact, legalized the sacred use of marijuana.

It remains to be seen whether this court ruling will set a legal precedent, which could prompt many Italians to convert.