It appears as though the Government will be pushing ahead with legislation that will see lighter sentences for persons found with small amounts of marijuana.
Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes announced today that there is a pending cabinet memo that recognises that the APNU has now “come on board and is supporting our position regarding the reducing of penalties with regards to marijuana and possession issues”.
It was AFC Member of Parliament, Michael Carrington who took an amendment to the National Assembly more than a year ago, pushing for lighter sentences for small amounts of marijuana.
The AFC was first to support its Member in the coalition government but the APNU, while agreeing that there should be lighter sentences, had not until now, indicated a move to support Carrington’s “high grade” amendment.
Once item makes its way back up the order paper, it is likely to receive the full support of the National Assembly, since the Opposition Leader has also indicated that he too believes there should be lighter sentences for small amounts.
All of the parties, while agreeing that lighter sentences should be put in place, have made it known that they are not supportive of any decriminalisation.
Under the current laws, someone found guilty of marijuana trafficking or being in possession of over fifteen grams of marijuana could find themselves facing between three to five years in jail.
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