Cannabis
Trinidad And Tobago government to legalize cannabis for medical and religious use
Cannabis reform is spreading across the world but its prohibition is still in place in many countries. Some countries have legalized cannabis for medical use. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago introduced two cannabis bills in Parliament. One of them is to decriminalize the possession of small amounts, and the other one is to legalize cannabis for medical and religious purposes.
In a speech to the House of Representatives, Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi said that the government wanted to reduce the prison population and the costs associated with cannabis offenses.
The hemp.im cannabis news app provides the latest breaking news in the cannabis sector. The app curates cannabis news from across the world and distils it to 400 characters or less, helping you stay informed no matter where you are or how much time you have.
Cannabis bill proposal
The first proposal would decriminalize the possession of 30 grams of cannabis or 5g of hash. Beyond that and up to 60g, the offence would be punishable by a “penalty notice” of about $7,700 which would have no impact on an individual’s criminal record if the fine is paid.
The proposal would also allow the cultivation of 4 cannabis plants for personal use. On this point, the text restricts the cultivation of male plants (which do not produce the flowers commonly consumed). The second bill would authorize the sale, consumption, and distribution of cannabis for medical, research and religious purposes.
Licenses for local investment
A government regulatory body would be responsible for issuing various licenses, including those for growers, laboratories, processors, dispensaries, importers, exporters, and transporters. Licenses would only be approved for companies with at least 30% local investment, in order to “avoid abuses related to multinational domination in other territories”.
“After extensive research, the government strongly believes that it is time to amend the Dangerous Drugs Act and strictly regulate cannabis research, cultivation, supply, and marketing activities through the establishment of a cannabis control authority,” said Al-Rawi.
Fines for not following the rules
Those who pretend to use medicine or religion for no real reason may be subject to severe penalties. For example, a person who “uses medical cannabis without being authorized to do so by prescription or on the recommendation of a doctor” is liable to a fine and a ten-year prison sentence.
The proposals also impose restrictions on public consumption. People working in certain industries such as airlines or bus companies would face additional restrictions on consumption.
Cannabis market regulation
Al-Rawi said that the government was able to effectively regulate the cannabis market but acknowledged that they might face some reluctance. That being said, the leader of the opposition party, Kamla Persad Bissessar, also expressed support for the decriminalization of cannabis.
Last year, leaders from 19 Caribbean countries announced that they would consider regulatory proposals to end cannabis prohibition. Since then, several countries such as Saint Kitts and Barbados have taken steps to amend the cannabis laws.
__
(Featured image by Washarapol D BinYo Jundang via Pexels)
DISCLAIMER: This article was written by a third party contributor and does not reflect the opinion of Born2Invest, its management, staff or its associates. Please review our disclaimer for more information.
This article may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “become,” “plan,” “will,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks as well as uncertainties, including those discussed in the following cautionary statements and elsewhere in this article and on this site. Although the Company may believe that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, the actual results that the Company may achieve may differ materially from any forward-looking statements, which reflect the opinions of the management of the Company only as of the date hereof. Additionally, please make sure to read these important disclosures.
First published in NEWSWEED, a third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.
Although we made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translations, some parts may be incorrect. Born2Invest assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions or ambiguities in the translations provided on this website. Any person or entity relying on translated content does so at their own risk. Born2Invest is not responsible for losses caused by such reliance on the accuracy or reliability of translated information. If you wish to report an error or inaccuracy in the translation, we encourage you to contact us.
-
Crowdfunding2 weeks ago
Swytch Unveils the GO E-Bike and MAX+ Drive, and Opens Crowdfunding for 2025 Expansion
-
Impact Investing3 days ago
Verdalia Acquires Five Biomethane Plants in Northern Italy
-
Biotech7 days ago
Spanish Pharma Stocks Plummet 10% in November
-
Biotech2 weeks ago
The PCTEX in Badajoz, Spain, Will Host the ‘Biotech Conecta’ Event on December 10th