Cannabis Spliff Being Fired Up By Rasta
The Rastafarian community in St. Kitts and Nevis now has the legal right to use and possess cannabis, following the passage of the Rastafari Rights Recognition Bill, 2023, in the National Assembly on Tuesday.
This new legislation allows Rastafarians to cultivate, harvest, possess, and smoke cannabis as part of their religious, personal, and educational practices. It also grants them free licenses through the Medicinal Cannabis Authority and provides tax exemptions, recognizing their use of cannabis as a legitimate aspect of their faith and cultural identity.
Attorney General Garth Lucien Wilkin described the bill as a form of “reparative justice” for the Rastafarian community, who have long been marginalized and targeted for their use of marijuana. He emphasized that the government is taking steps to address historical injustices and align the country’s laws with constitutional rights.
The journey toward this recognition began in 2019 when High Court Judge Eddy Ventose ruled in favor of Ras Sankofa Maccabee, a Rastafarian (#ad) who had been convicted for cultivating marijuana. Maccabee appealed the conviction, arguing that laws preventing the use of marijuana for religious purposes violated his constitutional rights. Judge Ventose agreed, declaring that Rastafarianism is a recognized religion and that the use of marijuana as a sacrament in its rituals is protected by the constitution. This landmark ruling set the stage for legal reform.
The passing of the Rastafari Rights Recognition Bill formally brings the country’s laws in line with the constitution, ensuring that Rastafarians can freely practice their faith without fear of legal consequences. Wilkin noted that this legislation not only corrects past wrongs but also represents progress toward a more inclusive and just society where religious freedoms are protected and respected.
The government hopes that these changes will foster greater understanding and harmony between the Rastafarian community and the wider society, as they work together to uphold the rights of all citizens.