Weed for Christmas?
Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi yesterday projected the successful passage of proposed legislation to decriminalise marijuana which will be debated in the Lower House today.
He told reporters the bills only require a simple majority - Government votes alone - for passage. Al-Rawi also expected the bill would be debated in the Senate next week Tuesday. After the bills were laid in Parliament next month several UNC officials told Guardian Media the bills have “serious” issues and require deep consideration.
Today’s debate will be on the Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill 2019 and the Establishment of the T&T Cannabis Licensing Authority 2019 which will establish a Cannabis Control Authority - both laid in Parliament November 28.
Bills propose decriminalising certain quantities of cannabis/cannabis resin. However use will be prohibited in public spaces, all educational institutions and workplaces. Persons will be able to lawfully grow no more than four male cannabis plants at their residence without licence.
A tiered possession scheme is proposed abolishing the present regime where possession of any amount of marijuana is an arrestable offence. The scheme establishes lawful limits for possession/use - 30 grammes of cannabis/less.
An upper limit for lawful possession is 60 grammes.
People with charges before the court for the new upper limit of 60 grammes of cannabis and 10 grammes of cannabis resin may apply to be discharged and the criminal records of persons with convictions for possession of the substance will be expunged. They can also apply for pardon under Constitution (Section 87).
The bills prescribe strict conditions regarding children even for medicinal marijuana, regarding religious circumstances and in handling work and operating machinery and modes of transport fines up to $250,000 plus five years’ jail are proposed for violations.
