Sampson Baptiste of Layou Park can consider himself lucky after he received a mere reprimand, after pleading guilty to the possession and intent to supply 145 grams of cannabis.
Baptise told Magistrate Ossie Lewis last week that he used the cannabis as a medication, since it was prescribed by his doctor after an incident which caused a laceration to his head.
“I used to use the spliff, but my doctor recommend the chalice, it’s better for me,” he told the court.
“I’ve been doing that for the past 30 years … Since I get the blow in my head, the head kinda shaky,” he added.
The defendant’s family revealed that Bapiste has a mental history, according to the facts of the case.
The prosecutor said that on April 2, 2010, at about 10 a.m. Constable Defoe and other police officers were on patrol duty in Layou Park, when they met the defendant in a wooden structure. Upon approaching the structure the officers detected a strong smell of cannabis smoke. Upon further investigations, they saw the defendant smoking the illegal substance.
Baptiste assured Magistrate Lewis that he never sold or intended to sell the cannabis. Baptiste, who is a Rastafarian, said that before the doctor recommended the illegal drug to him he only used it for religious purposes.
– Hermisha Rolle, Staff reporter
My God this is so sad. Why are they troubling this man it’s not today he started smoking his ting! If he is a trouble maker well then fine, but it doesn’t appear so, live and let live and live and let die on his own terms. Blaze it up bad head boy!
BUBBLE D CHALICE RASTA!!!! …
Taxes on the herb can help the republic. Right on!
STOP WASTING PEOPLE ,MONEY. BOY.
The herb is for the healing of the nation
Why is it elegal and alcohol and tobacco is legal?
dem …. cops know where to go an look for drugs stop bruitalizin people[rasta] for a little bit of weed an go an look for de real drug dealers…
Need that cool meditation.waste of government time mr.officer
The herb is for the healing of the nation
LEGALIZE IT.
I WILL ADVERTIZE IT.
Leave the weed alone…
The PM Need to take the lead in leagalising Mariguana in Dominica and we will see how effective it will be in attracting stay over tourist on the island.
So will I be arrested tooo…since I began having a “Period” I have been experiencing terrible menstrual cramps.All paracetmol and other medication I have been prescribed don’t work and make things worse cause they only work for about 3hrs. I came to Dominica and a friend gave me marijuana tea and that was heaven sent. I have been taking it since and hey the law people my fibriods getting smaller…put that with the cost of an operation…and arrest me.
I LOVE THAT WOMAN LOL.
The US allows medicinal use of marijuana.
LOLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!..LMAO..well is that self….
” i used the spliff but my doctor recommended the chalice … , ” He has to be mentally challenged or else there would be really something wrong with this.
Come on what a waste of resources. The man was in his shack, not distributing but having a moment!
for real…i thot u could smoke in the privacy of yr own home. what is dat for me dere nuh?
now , that what i find abitrary. de man right layou park in a shack. wasting the court time. pen and paper have to be used for filing….
I agree with you 100%. The Police should be charge for trespassing and disturbing public peace.
After 30yrs on DRUGS how do you expect your HEAD not to be SHAKY. The DRUG ADDICT said it himself – I GOTCHA – the doctor prescribed it for his HEAD INJURY but he’s taking it for RELIGIOUS REASONS. COME ON ALREADY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jah bless
Doe tie the man for one spliff. after all
Rasta is in his castle in the boonies enjoying his chalice, LEAVE him alone..Chuups!