Marijuana bill due before Antigua-Barbuda parliament before Christmas

A bill that will allow residents to possess and use small quantities of marijuana will go before parliament on 12 December for the first time.

According to the country’s latest cabinet notes, the Marijuana Bill will be read a first time and distributed when parliament convenes in 19 days.

The bill focuses on decriminalising up to 5g of marijuana, eliminating fines associated with the currently illegal drug.

The government is hoping that by passing the Marijuana Bill, it will lessen what it termed the “expensive” costs associated with pursuing convictions and prosecuting people who were caught with small amounts of the drug.

Gaston Browne’s administration is also hoping that the passage of this bill will prevent young people in particular, from obtaining criminal records that often make it difficult for them to secure employment or acquire travel visas.

Melford Nicholas, the minister responsible for information and telecommunication first announced a draft bill in 2016.

Other bills to be brought before parliament on 12 December include the Telecommunications Bill and a resolution that would make legal a waiver of $101,000,000 in Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax for the Sandals Grande Resort Antigua.