No move yet on decriminalising marijuana-Minister Harmon

GINA, Guyana, Thursday, May 18, 2017

The decriminalisation of marijuana is not a matter which is engaging the immediate attention of the Government.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon made this statement today, at the Post- Cabinet press briefing, in response to a query about the issue.

The Minister noted that there is a motion in the National Assembly by a member of the Government side that seeks to revise the sentencing policy for small amounts of cannabis sativa (marijuana). “The matter of sentencing is a matter for the judiciary to consider,” he stated. He added that the laws are there, and it is a matter which has engaged the judiciary and was raised following the last prison riot.

With regards to recent statements made by the Opposition Leader calling for the decriminalisation of marijuana, Minister Harmon noted that others, who are, “enlightened” have responded and he need not do so at this time.

By: Paul McAdam