Marijuana Laws In Antigua And Barbuda: What's The Verdict?

Marijuana is illegal in Antigua and Barbuda but has been decriminalised since 2018. The Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Act, 2018, states that a person who is in possession of a maximum of 15 grams of the drug Cannabis or Cannabis resin is not guilty of an offence. This legislation also permits the cultivation of up to four cannabis plants per household. However, the sale of cannabis remains illegal, and smoking marijuana in public places is prohibited. While Antigua and Barbuda are working towards full legalisation, it has not been achieved yet.

Marijuana for medicinal use is legal in Antigua and Barbuda

While the sale of cannabis is still illegal in Antigua and Barbuda, a new bill is in the works that would permit sales under certain circumstances. This legislation is currently being drafted, with input from a group of Canadian advisors, and it could be brought for consideration in Parliament within the next six months.

The push for full legalisation of marijuana in Antigua and Barbuda comes after recognising the economic and health benefits of the drug. The country has also granted Rastafari groups the right to grow marijuana for religious purposes, in an effort to bring more respect to the Rastafari people.

While marijuana use is becoming more accepted in Antigua and Barbuda, it is important to note that smoking marijuana in public places, including bars, restaurants and tourist establishments, is prohibited. However, tourist establishments are allowed to set aside "open areas" where guests can smoke cannabis.

Marijuana for recreational use is illegal in Antigua and Barbuda

In 2018, Antigua and Barbuda passed the Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Act, which amended the Misuse of Drugs Act to state that "a person who is in possession of a maximum of 15 grams of the drug Cannabis or Cannabis resin is not guilty of an offence". This legislation also made it legal to cultivate up to four cannabis plants per household and removed convictions for marijuana possession of 15 grams or less.

While this amendment stopped short of full legalisation, as it did not remove penalties for the sale of cannabis, a new bill is reportedly in the works that would permit sales under certain circumstances. Ryan Johnson, legislative drafter and editor of the government's Official Gazette, has confirmed that this bill is being drafted, although the specific circumstances have not yet been finalised.

In addition to the potential for legalised sales, Antigua and Barbuda has also granted Rastafarians the right to grow marijuana for sacramental purposes. This move was made to bring more respect to the Rastafari people, who have historically been persecuted and jailed for using the drug in their rituals.

Although marijuana for recreational use remains illegal in Antigua and Barbuda, the country has made significant strides towards decriminalisation and legalisation. These developments reflect a broader shift in public opinion and policy regarding marijuana, with the country joining other Caribbean nations in exploring the potential benefits of legalised cannabis.

Marijuana decriminalisation in Antigua and Barbuda

Marijuana has been decriminalised in Antigua and Barbuda since 2018. The Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Act, 2018, states that it is not an offence for an individual to possess up to 15 grams of cannabis or cannabis resin. It is also now legal to grow up to four marijuana plants per household.

This legislation was the first step towards the full legalisation of cannabis in the country. While marijuana is decriminalised, it is not legal, and there are still penalties for its sale. However, a bill to permit sales under certain circumstances is currently being drafted.

The Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, has expressed support for the Rastafari community, who use marijuana for sacramental purposes. In 2023, his government granted Rastafari groups legal licences to grow the plant for religious reasons. Browne has also acknowledged the economic and health benefits of marijuana.

While marijuana is decriminalised in Antigua and Barbuda, it is still illegal to bring it into the country, and people have been prosecuted for doing so. It is also prohibited to smoke marijuana in public places, including bars, restaurants and tourist establishments. However, tourist sites may set aside 'open areas' where guests can smoke cannabis.

Marijuana legalisation in Antigua and Barbuda

Marijuana remains illegal in Antigua and Barbuda, but the country has made moves to decriminalise the drug and is working towards legalisation. In 2018, the Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Act amended the Misuse of Drugs Act to state that "a person who is in possession of a maximum of 15 grams of the drug Cannabis or Cannabis resin is not guilty of an offence". This legislation also made it legal to cultivate up to four cannabis plants per household.

The 2018 amendment did not, however, remove legal penalties for the sale of cannabis. But a new bill is in the works that would permit sales under certain circumstances. Ryan Johnson, legislative drafter and editor of the government's Official Gazette, has confirmed that this legislation is currently being drafted.

Antigua and Barbuda has also granted Rastafarians the right to grow marijuana for sacramental purposes. This move was made to bring more respect to the Rastafari people, who have historically been persecuted and jailed for using the drug in their rituals.

While marijuana is still illegal in Antigua and Barbuda, the country has taken steps towards decriminalisation and is working towards legalisation. It is worth noting that even if it is legal where you live, it is still illegal to bring marijuana into Antigua and Barbuda, and people have been prosecuted for doing so.

Marijuana use by Rastafari people in Antigua and Barbuda

Marijuana use by the Rastafari people in Antigua and Barbuda has been a contentious issue for decades. While the use of marijuana for religious purposes has been a longstanding practice for the Rastafari, they have often been persecuted and jailed for it. However, in recent years, there have been significant developments towards the legalisation of marijuana for sacramental use by the Rastafari community.

In 2018, the government of Antigua and Barbuda took a pivotal step by decriminalising marijuana possession, allowing individuals to possess up to 15 grams of the drug. This move stopped short of complete legalisation, as penalties for the sale of cannabis remained in place. Nonetheless, it marked a shift towards recognising the rights of the Rastafari community. Subsequently, the government also granted Rastafari groups licences from the country's medical cannabis authority to cultivate marijuana for religious purposes.

The twin islands of Antigua and Barbuda have become one of the first Caribbean nations to confer upon the Rastafari community the right to grow and consume their sacred herb. This development holds great significance for the Rastafari, who view marijuana as a means to connect with the divine. For them, it is more than just a recreational substance; it is integral to their spiritual and religious practices.

The journey towards legalisation has been fraught with challenges and opposition from some politicians and Christian leaders in the socially conservative Caribbean region. Despite this, the current administration, led by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, has demonstrated a commitment to rectifying past wrongs inflicted on the Rastafari community. Prime Minister Browne, who grew up in poverty in Antigua, witnessed firsthand the discrimination and persecution faced by the Rastafari due to their religious practices. He has since taken several progressive steps, including issuing a public apology to the community and appointing a respected Rastafari leader as an ambassador to Ethiopia.

The legalisation of marijuana for sacramental use by the Rastafari in Antigua and Barbuda sets a precedent for other nations to follow suit. It is a testament to the resilience of the community and their unwavering fight for religious freedom. While there is still work to be done to fully legalise marijuana use and address the stigma surrounding it, the Rastafari in Antigua and Barbuda now have greater freedom to practice their faith without fear of persecution.

Frequently asked questions