The Parliament of Dominica approved an amendment to the Drugs Prevention Misuse Act that decriminalizes cannabis possession of up to 28 ounces.
Minister of National Security and Home Affairs, Rayburn Blackmoore, noted the new amendment doesn’t apply to those under the age of 18 years old. He also said that cannabis use in a public place is still prohibited, but privately owned places were not included under the prohibition. The head of household or owner of the property is also allowed to cultivate not more than three plants per household.
Blackmoore wanted to make clear that while he supports the amendment, he does not support full legalization of cannabis. He also mentioned that a section of the Act states any conviction before the relevant date for an offense of possession of up to 28 grams will be treated as a spent conviction and not be used against the person.
Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said cannabis is not seen as an illegal plant and that it’s being traded worldwide. Skerrit said the passing of the amended legislation is an important day, but not one to brag about.
“Countries have gone ahead and passed legislation and so forth, it is going to be difficult if we here in Dominica say it is legal here for medicinal purposes but we are between two European territories- Martinique and Guadeloupe…and there are all sets of implications,” Skerrit said, noting that the developed countries could try to find “ways of restricting us so that they can take advantage of what we have.”
Following the passage of the amendment, Dominica joins other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries, including Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, in having amended legislation for cannabis use or possession. Last year, the Parliament of Barbados announced it was considering legalizing medical cannabis.
