The government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is drafting legislation to address the possible use of cannabis for religious purposes within places of worship.
This was disclosed by Minister of Agriculture, Industry, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation and Labour, Saboto Caesar, as he responded to a question raised by the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) in Parliament this morning.
According to Minister Caesar, the intention of the Bill is to address the use of cannabis as a sacrament by Rastafarians.
He noted that for decades Rastafarians have appealed, struggled and toiled for permission to use the herb as a sacrament within their place of worship.
While acknowledging that the authorities have been exercising tolerance in relation to this issue, Minister Caesar said that “it is the intention in what will be a land mark decision, to legislate for the allowance of the use of the herb as a sacrament.”
He added that consultations will continue with members of the Rastafarian community here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines with regard to this matter.
