Govt removes sentencing small amounts of marijuana

DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, July 2, 2019

There will be no sentencing for persons found in possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana. The decision was made by the government after an extensive discussion and review on July 2 and announced via press release.

However, the possession remains an offence but “persons will not be sentenced to terms of imprisonment as obtained in the past.”

The release further stated that “this is the first of several steps that government intends to take as it considers the recently submitted Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Report on the usages of marijuana, and in particular, usages by our Rastafarian brothers and sisters who require it for use in their worship and sacrament.”

The move by the government answers the call by citizens since many persons were sentenced to three or more years if found in possession of 30 grams or less. It is also a commitment made by President David Granger back in 2018 to abolish sentences for small amounts of marijuana.