Antigua and Barbuda Legalizes Marijuana for Rastafarian Sacramental Use In a landmark decision, the government of Antigua and Barbuda has legalized the cultivation and use of marijuana for sacramental purposes by members of the Rastafarian faith. The new law, which went into effect on June 3, 2023, recognizes marijuana as a sacrament for Rastafarians and allows them to grow up to four marijuana plants at home and possess up to 15 grams of marijuana in public. The legalization of marijuana for Rastafarian sacramental use is a significant victory for the Rastafarian community in Antigua and Barbuda. Rastafarians have long used marijuana as a sacrament, and they have been campaigning for its legalization for many years. The new law is also a significant step forward for marijuana reform in the Caribbean. Antigua and Barbuda is now the first Caribbean country to legalize marijuana for Rastafarian sacramental use, and it is the second Caribbean country to legalize marijuana for any purpose. The legalization of marijuana for Rastafarian sacramental use is likely to have a number of positive impacts on the Rastafarian community in Antigua and Barbuda. It will allow Rastafarians to practice their faith freely without fear of arrest or prosecution. It will also make it easier for Rastafarians to access marijuana for medical purposes. The new law is also likely to have a positive impact on the tourism industry in Antigua and Barbuda. Antigua and Barbuda is a popular tourist destination, and many tourists are interested in learning about Rastafarian culture. The legalization of marijuana for Rastafarian sacramental use is likely to attract more tourists to Antigua and Barbuda. The legalization of marijuana for Rastafarian sacramental use is a welcome development that is likely to have a positive impact on the Rastafarian community in Antigua and Barbuda. It is also a significant step forward for marijuana reform in the Caribbean. Additional details: The new law does not legalize the recreational use of marijuana. The new law does not allow Rastafarians to sell marijuana. The new law does not allow Rastafarians to drive under the influence of marijuana.

The new law, which took effect on June 3, 2023, indeed allows Rastafarians to grow up to four marijuana plants at home and possess up to 15 grams of marijuana in public¹.

This decision marks a significant milestone for the Rastafarian community in Antigua and Barbuda, as it recognizes their religious rights and ends decades of persecution for their ritualistic use of marijuana¹. Additionally, the law change also decriminalized the use of marijuana for the general public, allowing individuals outside the Rastafarian faith to grow four cannabis plants each and possess up to 15 grams¹.

The legalization is expected to have positive impacts on the Rastafarian community, allowing them to practice their faith freely and potentially benefiting medical access and tourism¹. However, it’s important to note that the law does not legalize the recreational sale of marijuana, nor does it permit driving under the influence of marijuana¹.

This step by Antigua and Barbuda is indeed a significant move towards marijuana reform in the Caribbean and could influence similar efforts worldwide¹. If you need more information or have any other questions, feel free to ask!

Learn more:

1. usnews.com2. apnews.com3. apnews.com4. cannabis-mag.com

• Sacramental Rights: The Rastafari community in Antigua and Barbuda has been granted the right to grow and use marijuana as a sacrament, which is a significant part of their religious practices¹.
• Cultivation and Possession: Rastafarians are now legally allowed to cultivate marijuana on their farms and possess it for sacramental use. This change in law brings them closer to the divine and ends decades of persecution for their marijuana use¹.
• Public Decriminalization: Alongside the religious use granted to Rastafarians, the general public is also allowed to grow up to four cannabis plants each and possess up to 15 grams of marijuana¹.
• Prime Minister’s Statement: Prime Minister Gaston Browne emphasized the importance of providing space for everyone, irrespective of their religion, and acknowledged the constitutional right of Rastafarians to worship and use cannabis as a sacrament¹.
• Historical Significance: The law change is particularly meaningful as it takes place on the same ground where the ancestors of the Rastafari were once forced to plant sugar cane, symbolizing a reversal of historical injustices¹.
• Global Impact: Experts believe that the law in Antigua and Barbuda could boost efforts worldwide for similar religious protections at a time when public opinion and policy are shifting in favor of medical and recreational marijuana use¹.

This landmark decision is celebrated by the Rastafari community and is seen as a step forward for religious freedom and marijuana reform in the Caribbean¹. If you have any further questions or need additional information, feel free to ask!

Learn more:

1. usnews.com2. apnews.com3. pbs.org4. koin.com