Ganja referendum

REBUILDTT is calling for a referendum on the decriminalisation of marijuana. President of the NGO Gregory Lal-Beharie says local government elections, which are due by the end of this year, present an ideal opportunity for a referendum which would provide enough time for government to bring enabling legislation.

Lal-Beharie, who presented at the January 23 marijuana consultation with Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi, also called for government to take “baby steps” as it moved to decriminalise.

“In TT, where some are forcing us to regulate weed when we can’t even regulate traffic, Rebuild TT urges government to take baby steps,” Lal-Beharie said.

He warned government about being pressured by “narrow business interests waiting in the wings to open weed shops,” or individuals championing the cause.

He said his organisation is concerned about the easy availability of marijuana to young people, should the move to decriminalise becomes law.

Recognising research which has shown the benefits of medical marijuana in the treatment of some forms of illnesses, Lal-Beharie has proposed the importation, rather than cultivation, of medical marijuana.

He said such imports could come from Jamaica and other Caricom countries where it has been decriminalised.

This should be done under the same strict protocols as medical narcotics that are imported and regulated.

RebuildTT has suggested a “three strikes and you’re out” policy on first second and third offences of marijuana possession. Lal-Beharie said first and second-time offenders should be fined and given community service with no criminal conviction recorded, but a third-time offender should face the full brunt of the law.