Cannabis decriminalisation eases tensions in Jamaica

San Juan, May 12 (IANS/EFE) Jamaica's marijuana decriminalisation law has helped decrease tensions between citizens and authorities as people possessing two ounces or less of it no longer face arrest, National Security Minister Peter Bunting said.

For decades, arrests for possession of small quantities of the drug Jamaicans know as "ganja" has caused friction between police and communities, the minister said in a statement on Monday.

"Communities saw young men who they did not regard as criminals being arrested, fined, and, sometimes, sentenced for possession of 'ganja'. It gave them criminal records... eventually limiting their life chances," he said.

There has been a significant reduction in arrests for marijuana possession since the new law was approved, he said, without mentioning any figures.

"I believe that the police must use their (resources and energy) going after the real problems in crime," Bunting added.

Possession of two ounces or less of marijuana is now treated as an administrative offence subject to a ticket.

The legislation is expected to have "positive implications" for Jamaica, such as "acknowledging the constitutional rights of the Rastafarian community, who use 'ganja' as a sacrament".

It would also reduce the heavy burden of cases on courts, according to the justice ministry.

One provision of the bill mandates the creation of a cannabis licensing authority to grant permits for the cultivation, processing, distribution and sale of marijuana for medicinal, scientific and therapeutic purposes.

--IANS/EFE

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