In Jamaica on Friday [Feb 7], the Senate passed Dangerous Drugs Amendment Act 2015 following two weeks of debate. The new law would see the possession of up to two ounces of cannabis a non-arrestable offence.
A Jamaican Gleaner report said, “The Dangerous Drugs Amendment Act 2015 will make the possession of up to two ounces of ganja a non-arrestable offence.
“Instead, possession of such small quantities of ganja would be a ticketable infraction, attracting a fine payable outside of the court.”
In other legislative news, the Jamaican Observer reported today that, “Regulations guaranteeing automatic removal of an offender’s criminal record for convictions relating to the smoking or possession of small quantities of ganja, are currently being drafted by the Ministry of Justice and should be ready next week.
“Providing details of this development, Portfolio Minister, Senator Mark Golding, informed that the Regulations are expected to be ready for him to sign by next week, after which they will be brought to Parliament to be approved.
“Golding said that having a criminal record “for what was in fact a very minor and common offence,” had serious disabling effects for persons, because it meant that they were unable to gain employment with the Government, and they could not apply for a visa successfully for certain countries.”
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