Martinique's neighbor Saint Lucia to decriminalize cannabis and expunge criminal records

It will soon be possible to possess up to 30 grams of cannabis without fear of arrest in Saint Lucia. The government of the island, located just 30 kilometers from the French department of Martinique, is announcing this as part of its return to politics. Labour Prime Minister Philip Pierre will put the measure to the vote at the next parliamentary session. The debate is already well underway, with MPs discussing the subject for five hours in the Assembly on Wednesday.

If the measure goes ahead, Saint-Lucians over 18 will be able to carry up to 30 grams of cannabis. They will not be allowed to consume their weed in public places, on pain of a 470-euro fine (equivalent to half a month's salary). Minors arrested for cannabis use will be monitored by addiction counselors.

Another announcement was the unanimous vote in favor of retroactive expungement of criminal records. In concrete terms, the government will release from prison those convicted of possession of less than 30 grams of cannabis. This could concern several hundred prisoners, according to Martinique La 1ère. «We know that these measures have affected many people for years, acknowledges Justice Minister Leslie Mondesir.

Satisfaction for the Rastafari movement

These ads appeal to the Rastafari movement, which is fairly well established in Saint Lucia. 2 % of the 180,000 Saint Lucians adhere to this religious culture born in Jamaica, according to the CIA. For years, the island's Rastas have been among the first to be affected by the criminalization of cannabis.

«We hope the government will mention our right to consume cannabis, our constitutional rights, our spiritual rights to use cannabis as a sacrament.», said Aaron Alexander, a Rastafarian representative. quoted by Saint Lucia Loop News.

All these measures are a first step for Saint Lucia. The island has been trying for years to reform its anti-drug law. But she is never really reached. Decriminalization and amnesty seem to be a first step. During the legislative campaign, Prime Minister Philip Pierre pledged to develop «a medicinal and recreational cannabis industry« .