Government plans to fine persons caught with a spliff
Referring to the arrest and conviction of persons for minuscule quantities of cannabis as a waste of time for police and the Magistrates' Court
Tuesday, September 15, 2020
The Barbados Government has announced the coming of a major shift in the Drug Abuse (Prevention and Control) Act. Persons found in possession of minuscule quantities of cannabis on the streets will no longer be charged. Governor General Her Excellency Dame Sandra Mason announced during The Throne Speech that the Drug Abuse Act will be amended. "We will [...] amend our Drug Abuse (Prevention and Control) Act to provide that possession of 14 grams, or half an ounce or less of cannabis is no longer an offence for which one can be arrested, charged and tried; and will therefore not result in an appearance before the Magistrates Court or in a criminal record." Similar to a traffic ticket, the person would have 30 days to pay a fine of $200 (US$ 100).
