Kingston, Jamaica: Government officials are once again promising to consider legislation to liberalize Jamaica’s cannabis laws. If a bill is introduced, legislative hearings could take place as early as this fall.
Similar pronouncements from government officials in 2002 and 2004 failed to result in legislative action from Parliament, despite a 2001 report from the National Commission on Ganja recommending that it depenalize the possession and use of small quantities of cannabis for adults.
In 2003, former NORML Executive Director Keith Stroup testified before Parliament in support of the National Commission’s recommendations.
Under current Jamaican law, possession of even one marijuana cigarette is a criminal offense punishable by up to ten days in jail.
For more information, please contact either Paul Armentano or Keith Stroup of NORML at (202) 483-5500.