Justice Michelle Weekes has reserved her decision in the constitutional motion brought by a member of the Rastafarian community who is contending he should be allowed the right to smoke marijuana in his home as part of his religious ceremonies.
The suit, brought by Paul Leonard “Simba” Rock against the Attorney General, is contending the 2019 Sacramental Cannabis Act breaches his constitutional rights.
Through his attorney Lalu Hanuman, the Rastafarian argued the legislation was a breach of his constitutional right to worship in terms of his right to religious belief and the right to freedom of association.
The Sacramental Cannabis Act allows for the smoking of marijuana during religious practice in a registered place of worship.
The Attorney General is being represented by Deputy Solicitor General Marsha Lougheed.
The Sacramental Cannabis Act states that “a person who is an adherent of the Rastafarian religion shall, in the enjoyment of his freedom of religion, be permitted to use cannabis as a sacrament in an assembly of, or in association with, other Rastafarians in a place of worship in accordance with the provisions of this Act”. (HLE)
