Dominica’s marijuana laws may soon be given a second look with view to lifting some restrictions, according to Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday morning, the prime minster said that the time has come for a review and perhaps to alter the laws governing the use of marijuana.
However, he warned the government is not prepared to lift the ban on the use of the herb completely.
“I do not agree that we should remove our legal restrictions on this completely,” he noted. “I do not think that I would like to use that as an economic measure. Some people have spoken about how much money we can make from this, but we also have to measure the impact on the minds and the body of our people.”
It appears the government is prepared to allow the use of small quantities of marijuana with no legal implications.
“For example, somebody with a very small quantity of marijuana, we will charge these people and they are sometimes sent to the prisons,” he explained. “If a man has a little, 5 or 6 grams of marijuana, should that person be sent to prison for this small amount? The police may find somebody with two seeds in his pocket and that person will be arrested and get a criminal record for the rest of his life.”
The prime minister noted that if small quantities of marijuana are allowed, certain conditions must be applied.
“We need to determine whether or not we want to allow people to use a very small quantity for religious and other purposes,” he stated. “Obviously one would have to place certain conditions on that, meaning you cannot smoke it in public, you cannot be on a bus and pull it out, you cannot be on the block and smoking it … it has to be in the privacy of your home and your property.”
He noted further that although conditions will be placed in the laws, the challenge of who will be permitted to grow the herb will still arise.
“There are other issues with that,” Skerrit said. “There is the issue of who is to cultivate it so you could buy it from them. So it is not a simple decision that one has to take.”
Since a number of issues will surface in the matter, the prime minister said the government is willing to set up a commission, “to look at this matter and to consult the various stakeholders in the region and to come back to us with recommendations as to how we go about addressing this issue.”
Do like Antigua everybody can grow a tree or 2 in their yard for their own sin
Canadian adults who are 18 years of age or older are legally able to:
possess up to 30 grams of legal cannabis, dried or equivalent in non-dried form in public
share up to 30 grams of legal cannabis with other adults
buy dried or fresh cannabis and cannabis oil from a provincially-licensed retailer
in provinces and territories without a regulated retail framework, individuals are able to purchase cannabis online from federally-licensed producers
grow, from licensed seed or seedlings, up to 4 cannabis plants per residence for personal use
make cannabis products, such as food and drinks, at home as long as organic solvents are not used to create concentrated products
Yahman!
The government can change the law to legalize marijuana after they change the law to impose hanging for cocaine possession and distribution to curb the spread of that poison.
As a matter of fact the government should legalize the growth and cultivation of hemp for its commercial use. Control the growth and use of marijuana by imposing the laws within the guidelines stated by PM in this article. People use marijuana and will always use it. Alcohol on its own causes more harm and death in our society than marijuana every has, the only harm that comes from marijuana use is the harm imposed on the user by the government/police. The stigma the herb has been label for is one imposed by those who seek control of it. Russia as an example is the largest producer of Hemp in the world, Amsterdam in the middle of Europe has its economy built around the use of the herb and the controlled legalization of prostitution. I’m not saying that everything will be perfect but ask your self is everything perfect right now at this moment?
Just LEGALIZE IT. That will help free the police to do meaningful things to stem the flow of hard drugs and crime on the island. A win-win for Dominica’s society.
PS: The just recently LEGALIZED it in Washington state in the U.S., also Colorado earlier this year, and with positive results.
Good idea good idea for justice, and tourism will wize up !
The marijauna law to be decriminalized is now before the heads at the OECS LEVEL SPEARHEADED BY RALPH GONSALVES
Jamaica is going ahead to improve its laws on this matter to recognize the rights of the individual .
Holland and other European countries have experimeted in various forms of freedom for persons to make decisions on the use of this herb which have drastically diminished the criminalization of the people of those countries .
Wew must seize the time .
Strange there are so few comments on a law which has emasculated penalised and criminalised our young people in particular, whilst the vast number have experimented and hypocritically seem to want to remain in a posture of being holier than thou.
We need a surge of involvement by the citizens to spur on immediate response from the governmnet to act.
It is noted that the AG who is living in a bygone and archaic age of ignorance did say that this wil not be on the books .
Hurrah for the PM who obviuosly is head and shoulders over his cabinet colleagues in recognisng that times have changed and that emslavemnt and jail sentences for the use of a herb is unacceptable in this day of enlightment .
Strange that there are so many comments about the politics of it rather than the morality and the rights of people to decide for themselves whether thry wish to smoke or to drink
Organic grown weed will be awesome like Amsterdam
Great idea to look into this overdue. Just legalize it and done. Take the police out of it, too much extra work for them. You know the police will stay fixated on any little loop hole just to make arrests and seem to be working. These half way ideas may only create opportunity for the rich to get richer by being the only ones to cultivate, creating yet another big issue where people have to steal their crops to be able to use marijuana. Just legalize it.
About time.. Good move I don’t care who said it first it is a good idea..
The issue of marijauana for medical use has been investigated ad finitum ,,Sanjay of CNN and the entire spectrum of educated researchers have not disputed the obvious benefit .
The use of marijauana for personal use by adults is a personal preference simiilar to those who chose vodka rum or whisky .
History has now changed the focus in civilised countries by the use of police forces to focus their attention on the investigation of persons particularly the young who in every generation have explored this herb and where many of the privileged have gone unscathed but children from the unfortunate poor areas have been victims .
The legalization or decriminalization is inevitable whether now or later as the rest of civilized societies as in Europe and the USA moves forward in recognising the right of the individual to chose the social habit of choice ..be it liquor or a herb which is natural .Even drugs prescribed by doctors are sometimes more harmful and addicitive !
The state now spends scarce resources and the majority of work hours of the police department in criminalizing our young people for life for a cigarette size marijauna .No jobs …because companies do not accept persons wtih Criminal !!!records???
We as a nation must appreciiate that we need to grow up with the reality of our times and the PM certainly seem to be an adult here !It is his time to demonstrate that he has the balls to fight ignorance bigotry and ill defined spiritual values …The future of our young is far more relevant than criminalizing them whilst their parents continue to use liquor which a few gnerations ago was equally criminal!!
Those who use liquor are subject to illness and negative judgement which have more recorded ill effects than the effects of marijuana .
We need now a national debate and a prompt decision by the parliament to change the law as recommended by Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves .
Over 3 decades ago PM OJ Seraphin did remove the narcotic act from the books which gave the authority of search by the Police to suspected homes without a warrant ..claiming that this was denying the rights of citizens to their privacy ..that was an issue with police who then enjoyed unprecedented abuse of that power .
Today PM Skerritt with a 2/3 majority should act and decrimaialize the herb which will asssit our tourism agriculture and human rights posture internatioanally .this wil free the police to remove their focus on a benign matter and focus instead on real criminal activity !
The land OF THE FREE– THE USA, are freeing their people whilst we wish to condone slavery for the people , especially the young of this island to a notion of protection of our people by prison and destruction of their future through negative police reports which hinders their employment possibilites ,travel and visa applications etc
IT IS TIME TO ACT PM SKERRITT
well said Historian especiaññy this quote>>>>The state now spends scarce resources and the majority of work hours of the police department in criminalizing our young people for life for a cigarette size marijauna .No jobs …because companies do not accept persons wtih Criminal !!!records???
We as a nation must appreciiate that we need to grow up with the reality of our times and the PM certainly seem to be an adult here !It is his time to demonstrate that he has the balls to fight ignorance bigotry and ill defined spiritual values …The future of our young is far more relevant than criminalizing them
I totally agree with this comment.
There is already a avenue where many Citizens who have been nabbed with marijuana have a spent conviction after a few years which is accepted and legal in Dominica.A spent conviction means that the conviction can be used against you.However futher decriminalization needs to occur to protect the future of the youth.
However the wickedness of mankind has no limits and as a result the innocent will pay for the guilty.
A Word to the wise is sufficient.
U know how much money and development the country has lost because of criminalizing the youth for one Marijuana cigarette.
Do a survey,we have lost Millions in potential human,economic and social contributions that have gone to waste.
Thankyou Dominica for keeping us and yourself poor.
Peter will continue to pay for Paul.
When are we going to visit the issue of closing down a tobacco factory in the middle of the capital city. Are we not aware and as such need to measure impact on the minds and the body of our people!!!! A poison factory in the heart of town…..
Based on comments such as “I do not think that I would like to use that as an economic measure. Some people have spoken about how much money we can make from this, but we also have to measure the impact on the minds and the body of our people” it is clear the Govt. AIMS and OBJECTIVES are not clear on that matter.
I think the marijuana laws should really be amended but with enough education and information especially for the youngsters out there thinking they could use the herb and behave foolishly. I have been using the herb for over 20yrs and I don’t support the vibes that it should be used or dealt with by everyone. I’m all for de criminalizing and educating.
Obviously, what you would really like to see is more people smoking the weed as long as it is not your own children.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.
Talk of amending Laws for this and that, but they ‘fraid changes to the electoral process that would ensure FREE and Fair elections. Why would any NID be ready in December 2015, after elections? The Commission, the Chief Elections Officer, the cabal all claimed the NID would be ready.
Really, the “iNDEPENDENT” Commission was forced to make NID, instead of VOTER ID Cards, which it original wanted. The law is there that the Commission should not be, or seen to be influenced by any body.
Calls for Campaign-finance laws. No answer. the “Independent” Electoral Commission, responsible for conducting elections, under our Constitution wants Electoral reforms. The Commission requested funds from the Finance Minister and Govt., to provide VOTER ID Cards and to clean up the bloated Voters’ List. Years now. No answer.
Speculation ahoy!!!!!!!!!!The Commission has been blocked from implementing reforms that would ensure FREE and FAIR Elections. Heavy political influence. Remember the famous E-mail, about is madness the Commission want to do? To carry out Electoral Reforms? All are witnessing the sad state of affairs in our Nature Isle.
The future of any country lies in FREE and FAIR Elections, equality, freedom and liberty. Cheating, stealing any elections could cause irreversible harm to the forward development of the Nation. To me, those issues are paramount. The whole world is craving, advocating fighting for Electoral Reforms, FREE and FAIR Elections. No side-tracking.
Well is us you know dat have to start on a Grass-roots level and bring the change,,,
Obama appeared to have used the electronic media through Blackberry and whatever else he used so on Dominica the process can be more effective because of the small populous to make the change,,,
This pronouncement was made at the 25th anniversary of the U W P in Londonderry by the deputy political leader of the U W P, Claudius Sanford, Attorney at law Peter Alleyne and Henry Shillingford, applauded the idea, then the state college held a debate on the idea, now you hear Skerro grabbing the straw and stealing the U W P idea, why didn’t he see the importance of that before the pronouncement was made by the U W P?
The marijuana laws in Dominica are and around the would are way to harsh. Alcohol is way more dangerous yet legal. That law need to be amended
Alcohol should also be outlawed.
Can you tell me of one single city, town, village or rural area of Dominica that is a better place to live because somebody opened a bar?
Can you tell me of one man who became a better husband or father because of alcohol?
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill, International Evangelist.
Of course we all know the world would be a better place to live if we had wide open decriminalization and the unrestricted sale of all drugs everywhere.
Don’t take me seriously. The Bible says “Answer a fool according to his folly.” That is exactly what I am doing.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.
Hmmmm pm wanna be the first in the caribean.Good strategy skerro,u have my vote on that one any day u call election.
Crime down and revenue up in Colorado since start of marijuana legalization. Everyone wins when a government allows adults to determine their own relationship with marijuana.
http://rt.com/usa/163644-colorado-marijuana-crime-drop/
When we talk about marijuana and economic benefits, i should be hearing hemp farm, hemp production, hemp oil, hemp powder…Hemp products are much sought after and are very expensive worldwide. We should know why. All these things are valuable products of marijuana that have nothing to do with smoking it. I should be hearing the possibilities of a marijuana lab where different herbs can be tested and used for medicine, where the marijuana can even be altered to reduce its intoxication effects without affecting its medicinal effects. Why don’t our people think progressively. None of the politicians who talk about loosening legislation of marijuana have mentioned the above, all they talk about is a going to jail for a joint and smoking at home.
The many practical uses of the cannabis plant should be explored apart from the use of smoking. The development and production of these useful products could bring a huge profit to Dominica. The richness and productivity of your soil is a plus. Yes, I agree! These are things your government (and mine)should be talking about!
A whole new industry could be birthed on your island.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.
Every body want to like the idea but is still one set that going to make money off it. And they will always give the right to plant to some one that already have money. So u just helping the rich to get richer.
I commend the governments that take such leadership decisions. However, Mr. Skerrit, I think that it is about time that Dominica decriminalise homosexuality. The anti-buggery laws are primitive, anti-human, and illegitimate. And this, sir, from one of your staunchest supporters.
If PM Skerrit wants God’s protection over Dominica and His blessing upon its people he will rule according to the Word of God when it comes to something as heavy as homosexuality.
This will means keeping the anti-sodomy – anti-buggery laws in place according to the scriptures. He will take seriously the inspired words of Jude, a (half) brother of our Lord, and an apostle, who wrote
“Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities around about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, ARE SET FORTH FOR AN EXAMPLE, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.” (Jude vs. 7)
Mr. Skerrit knows what the |Bible says. He knows what his church teaches.
When the Creator of the universe has spoken a wise politician rules accordingly. of course many have done otherwise. But they will be held accountable. Nations rise and fall, kingdoms come and go, according to their response to the Word of God.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill…
If any one wishes to have a conversation with regards to my previous posting, feel free to email me. The suggestion by the Prime Minister need to start with a national conversation. I dear say, I support the notion.
I support the Prime Minister with the notion to look into the possibility with extreme caution towards legalization of the use of Cannabis in the far distance future. I would prefer total elimination of all drugs but thirty two years ago, through my personal experience, I called for the legalization of marijuana in Dominica. This is a losing battle. There is a marriage between consumption and economics that this deeply rooted in all the cultures of free societies in the world. I therefore say to the Prime Minister, thanks for your vision.
“””religious”” and other purposes” I thought legalizing marijuana was only for medical purposes.
WHY is “RELIGION” included as a reason?
You are TOO OBVIOUS, Roosevelt.
wild all these ideas are considerate wat the ppl need to hear and know is election date.TIME TO STOP YOUR TRICKY GAMES MR PM!!
well i guess datz an idea both party has in common. so who you think you foolin it would be considered weather your labor party lose or win.
Dominica should lead the way with legalization in the Caribbean… scarce law enforcement and judicial resources could be used in more important areas.
we don’t want weed and we don’t want no same sex marriage Mr pm these things will cause us to burn in hell
Marijuana is a natural herb; It is not processed. It should be decriminalized for personal use in private, as a first step, full stop!!!!!!
Why does the system make criminals out of the unemployed and frustrated youth for a spliff? Tobacco and rum destroying our people more. Stop the hypocrisy and free our people!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You right anonymous, just take a look at American where ganga is legal, people are abusing the herb, going as far as driving under the influence and putting people’s lives at risk on the road. In Colorado alone, ganga has surpassed drunk drivers. In an economy where things are so hard, persons are going to use ganga to suppress their problems. Take a look at persons who use the drug over a long period, they are unkempt, lips are black, teeth rotting, they look almost sleepy and tired, in other words they can’t work very hard.
stupid human. i wish i could live a happy and ignorant life such as you….
You fool-ish nuh???
Cannabis is as natural as Zebgwah, you making an uneducated Statement,,,
Whereas you could put 50 same sex couples on an island and watch them diminish through their unnatural conducts, No matter how mighty One may appear to be or how Strong they portray themselves Legally, there is no-thing One could do to stop the cultivation of a natural occurring element of this Realm which is essential for the survival of the inhabitants on this Planet While in accordance with the Natural Order of Things,,,
But Please be warn time is coming closer to Elections and Skerrow looking at this campaign as one he needs to win “by any means necessary”!!!
Since UWP team Dominica went on their USA tour, Lennox Linton declared he was going to decriminalise the herb. Now Several months later Skerritt decides to ‘tief’ that idea. That’s why the labourites keep on asking for plans, so that they can steal them and pass it off as theirs some time later.
Do you think allowing the use of marijuana will also cultivate votes? I think so too.
Well, unlike UWP that just talking, Labour is putting it into play
i am very pleased with the p.m . WHEN A MAN HAVE TO GO TO JAIL FOR A LITTLE JOIN FOR HIS PERSONAL USE.MAN THAT WAS TO HARD MAN .BLESS UP P.M
learn to spell… it is a Joint
And what happens to our sports men when they are found with it in their system after being tested. Can they tell FIFA the PM say we can use small amounts? Will that get them pass FIFA or any sporting organization drug test? Backward step.
Being legal doesn’t mean you must use it. We all have our own choices to make
I agree, but are they not already using it?
Steroids and the other drugs that they get banned for are not illegal substances, people are free to buy and use these substances. Just not the athletes….how does that change anything. That’s just a stupid comment….
Non sense!! Every man jack is responsible for his or her own actions. That’s not the PM’S business. He is a baby sitter?
Eh? Lol . It illegal and they were still found with it in their systems :V
It’s about time our government takes a step forward towards a vibrant and robust economy. I applaud the PM because this will create a lot of jobs and will release the tension on the issue.
This is also going to make Dominica safer by reducing violent crimes and significantly more attractive to tourists that want to smoke a little of the nature island’s best.
Marijuana entrepreneurs, get ready and be creative!
Hello, how is the use of marijuana going to create jobs? Do you think people are going to be employed to cut marijuana? What make you think the use of marijuana is a step forward in making us safer, attracting tourists, and reduce violent crimes. In fact, crimes might be on the rise because people will start stealing marijuana. Everything else has failed because of jealousy and greed. Keep your eyes open.
There are two different grade of marijuana, Medical and recreational. I think Govt. should focus more on medical marijuana. Try to sell it through a US pharmaceutical company at good price.
Election talk.
It’s not that complicated. Ease the dog-on burden off the poor man who has nothing else to make a living. Also, it will keep the prison population from exploding due to ridiculous rulings in the courts, and will lessen the price to maintain prisoners.
http://news.yahoo.com/marijuana-ruling-could-signal-end-prohibition-pot-151612677–abc-news-
Marijuana has no records causing any harm, it’s a useful herb with multi purpose not just smoking but a cleanser, heals, cures many illness which even in the Bible of the book Eziekel 47v.12 the leaves shall be for medicine. The beginning of the same bible the almighty said it was good Genesis 1 v9-13. A plant that heals and cure they fight against an imprisoned ppl for that alone says for itself. The only reason Marijuana will be legalize I until government in dominica and else figure out a way that they can benefit from it
Yes I!! Let’s go all out for legalization except for importation/ exportation, to avoid violation of sovereign rights of other Caribbean states and territories. Restrictions and conditions are ok. No usage allowed if under 16 years, unless prescribed medicinally. I like the in-house use. We can have licensed smoke houses and green houses. Release those sitting in jail for small quantities and revoke charges and fines for others who got the butt of the justice system.
Too late for those already killed.
Mr PM do you consider this to be one of the most critical and transitional issue for this upcoming General election?
From what i reading i see you leaning to religious purposes…….are you referring to rasta? I can see thru your proposal already.
De rastamen in Bingi already smoking in hiding in their temple house in giraudel………what i getting here is it will be no different……..wah and dem will still have to hide theirself in de bingi house to take a meds and lift up de iration.
I see this as an election gimmick to attract and fool de younger voters.
Team Dominica has been able to galvanize de support of scores of young people without putting false hopes for marijuana legalisation on de table………you sound like you throwing grated coconut for fowls
Once and for all why de bingi cannot stand and defend theirselves and their destiny….dont’t allow de politician to set de agenda for you to follow….EMPTY PROMISES BEWARE!!!!!!!!!
if de youths biggest love was Rum you would put duty free on all foreign rum to buy votes………pure drunken stupor…blind, deaf, smelling alcohol…….RE RED all over!!!!!!! THAT WOULD MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE DE LORD EH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mr Pm if you want to awaken de sleeping electorate tackle de Electoral Commission, take a bold stab at fairness and honesty in our courts……..bring de G.O.N. Emmanuel case to court, bring Secko to trial, why can’t we have a nicely paved road leading to our State of de Art Dominica State College, de link road at stock farm next to de DLP fella rental business…..whose pocket de money going to? couldn’t a paved walkway with steps prove to be more aesthetic and accessible? I never know dat guy to be a contractor doing heavy equipment construction……was that job up for bid?
You cannot deliver skerrit!!!!
you moving to de de sound of de drummer ringing gold coins!!!!
That former magistrate who spoke at our college is far more progressive on the issue than the PM, who is all to all people because he is running scared for elections
That is one way to increase revenue circulation and foreign currency if everything is done properly.
I believe that all political parties will support this move.
It will increase revenue only if taxed.
Much of the tax money will be gobbled up by the medical cost of treating the addicts.
This is what happening in my own country (Canada). Here we have a government funded health insurance plan. But a huge part of the tax money the government makes on the sale of tobacco and alcohol, and the licensing of gambling operations, is paid out to treat those who have become dangerously addicted to these things.
Jesus said “The thief comes not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) Those who have received Christ as their Savior according to John 1:12 and 1 John 5:11,12 have no need for tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or gambling.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
Sorry
Once a government legalizes these things it is opening the gates to a flood of iniquity, and taking itself out from under God’s protection.
One thing leads to another. First it is the smaller fleshly pleasures. Then the legalization advances to more serious vices. Soon you have a nation that is in the grip of Satan where the dividing line between right and wrong is washed away and people no longer know the difference between the two, nor do they care.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
Well then my demands were heard!!My prayers have been answered.. It may not be legalized but it is a work in progress.
Ok folks, I got high just reading this article.
http://www.cnbc.com/id/101818287
Its about time. Not a smoker never been and will try when I am old and retired and have nothing else to loose or do. However, I have never understand why sending a mam to jail for possession of a few joints for personal use.
I still believe possession of large quantities for sale and export should be legal.
Have all pot smokers register, pay a registration fee to be renewed annually, must be 21 and over and can be allowed to grow a few trees for personal use. If only one set can plant I see trouble.
Caught in public or on street you can be still arrested. Or should have license to carry. Those who are smokers can enjoy natures most desirable plant and drug dealers should have no excuses. As a matter of fact I would stiffen the penalties for those who are caught selling and growing in larger than regulated quantities.
That should be ” understood” and ” possession of large quantities……………. Illegal”
Agreed. Roosevelt should know by allowing certain people to cultivate marijuana is a recipe for disaster. What about those who are already profiting from that cultivation?
If farmers can make more money growing marijuana than growing fruit and veggies you would probably lose a lot of farm land to the weed. This is a minus I am afraid many people have not considered. I understand Dominica has rich soil. It is a gift from God. Be good stewards of what He has given you.
The full potential of your fields has not been reached and there are hungry people out there.
Say NO to legalization. Grow bananas and other good stuff not cannabis.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.
Progress at last
total confusion and likes
well that seals eh…..skerrit not going anywhere now, RESPECT D P.M boy.
Not all splifstars are labourstars.
“stakeholders” gotta love/hate this term!
correct me if I’m wrong, wasn’t Claudius Sanford condemn for asking for a discussion on marijuana?