Trinidad And Tobago Government Introduces Cannabis Reform Bills
Cannabis reform is sweeping across the globe. It wasn’t that long ago that cannabis was completely prohibited across the planet. Cannabis prohibition is still prevalent in many countries, however, some countries have either legalized cannabis for medical use and/or adult use.
The latest nation to announce plans for cannabis reform is the southern-most island nation in the Caribbean, The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Per Marijuana Moment:
The government of Trinidad and Tobago brought two marijuana reform bills before Parliament on Friday—one to decriminalize low-level possession and another to legalize cannabis for medical and religious purposes.
During a speech before the House of Representatives, Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi said the administration wants to reduce the prison population, curb costs associated with marijuana-related incarceration and free up law enforcement resources to pursue serious crimes.
Below is a summary of what is being proposed via the two bills:
- Possession of up to 30 grams of cannabis would be decriminalized
- A process for prior possession records to be cleared via a petition the court
- Sale, use, and distribution of cannabis for medical, research and religious purposes (no adult-use market)
What the odds are of either bill passing and becoming law is unclear at this time, although it’s encouraging to see that such reforms are being proposed and seem to have at least a chance at passing.