SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The Cayman Islands plans to carry a referendum on whether or not to show possession of small quantities of marijuana right into a minor offense.
Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan stated there may be widespread assist amongst legislators to carry a public vote, which he introduced on Wednesday. “This authorities is dedicated to listening to the desire of the folks as a result of this topic is extra about altering lives than altering legal guidelines,” he stated at a information convention.
If the measure is authorized by voters, possession of small quantities of marijuana can be handled like a minor offence, “much like getting a visitors ticket” and resulting in no legal file, Bryan stated. The proposed quantity has not but been determined.
The Cayman Islands legalized medical marijuana in Could 2017, however leisure use stays unlawful. Native legal guidelines dictate a jail sentence of as much as a yr for possession of as much as 12 grams of marijuana for a primary offense.
The referendum is scheduled for subsequent yr, coinciding with basic elections.
If the measure is authorized, the Cayman Islands would be a part of a number of nations throughout the socially conservative Caribbean area which have relaxed their hashish legal guidelines.
Antigua decriminalized marijuana use for most people. Jamaica additionally decriminalized small quantities of marijuana, whereas the U.S. Virgin Islands just lately approved its leisure and sacramental use.
