Rastafarian elder and activist Paul “Ras Simba Akomba” Rock says he is disturbed by the growing openness with which some people smoke marijuana in public, even as he argues that Barbados’ cannabis laws remain confusing, restrictive and inconsistent.
Speaking in response to recent comments by Acting Inspector Ryan Brathwaite about increasing complaints of marijuana use in public spaces and at events, Ras Simba said while he understood police concerns, the legislation itself had created uncertainty among the public.
“I don’t agree with smoking openly in certain places,” he said.
“I am not going to walk down Swan Street smoking herb because I understand not everybody wants to smell that, the same way I don’t want to smell cigarette smoke wherever I go.”
He said responsible use and public education were urgently needed, particularly as younger people increasingly viewed open smoking as an act of rebellion against laws they felt unfairly targeted cannabis users for decades.
“What we are seeing is a kind of open rebellion, especially by young people,” he said. “It is an expression of liberty from being unfairly persecuted.”
Ras Simba argued that one of the biggest issues facing authorities was the inability to distinguish between medicinal cannabis and marijuana obtained illegally.
No distinction
“If I go and get a prescription and collect cannabis from a therapeutic facility and another person gets cannabis from the street and both of us are standing there smoking, there is no way for police to distinguish which is legal and which is illegal,” he said. “The only thing police can do is ask whether you have a permit or prescription.”
He maintained that cannabis itself was inherently medicinal and said authorities were “not speaking from an informed place” when attempting to separate medicinal and non-medicinal marijuana solely by appearance or use.
Ras Simba pointed to his constitutional case before the courts concerning sacramental use of cannabis within the Rastafari faith.
He is awaiting a ruling from Justice Michelle Weekes on Wednesday on whether his home can legally be recognised as a place of worship, allowing him to cultivate and use marijuana privately for sacramental purposes.
He stressed that sacramental use did not necessarily mean smoking.
“Not all Rastas smoke,” he said. “Some use it sacramentally by eating it, making teas or through steaming applications.”
Attorney Rasheed Belgrave clarified the provisions of the Sacramental Cannabis Act 2019, explaining that Rastafarians are only legally permitted to use marijuana sacramentally within approved places of worship or at specially permitted events.
“Just claiming to be Rasta or having locs does not qualify you to use cannabis,” he said. “You must be part of and practising the Rastafarian religion.”
According to Belgrave, only authorised leaders of Rastafarian places of worship can apply for permits allowing sacramental use of cannabis.
“ The Sacramental Cannabis Act does not allow for consumption outside the place of worship, so not in your private house or in public spaces or events unless an exempt event permit has been granted,” he explained.
“In summary, if you are not practising Rastafari under the Act or a medicinal marijuana card holder, possession of marijuana remains illegal,” he said.
Belgrave explained that medicinal marijuana is legal under Section 25(1) of the Medicinal Cannabis Industry Act 2019 once it is prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner.
Under the law, medicinal cannabis can only be accessed by a patient or caregiver with a valid prescription issued through authorised medical practitioners, pharmacies or therapeutic facilities.
Not clear
He noted, however, that while medicinal marijuana is legal, the legislation does not clearly specify where it may be consumed.
“The Act does not explicitly suggest where the medical marijuana can be used, whether in private homes or public spaces,” Belgrave said. “But generally the use or consumption of recreational marijuana is prohibited islandwide, at home, outside, in a gully or at the top of Mount Hillaby.”
The attorney added that the Drug Abuse (Prevention and Control) Act amendment merely decriminalised possession of up to 14 grammes of marijuana through a $200 fixed penalty ticket system, but did not legalise recreational use.
“In short, 14 grammes of recreational marijuana or medicinal marijuana without a prescription from a registered supplier remains illegal,” he said, adding that possession of 15 grammes or more could still result in criminal charges including possession, intent to supply and trafficking.
Ras Simba also criticised what he described as Barbados lagging behind other Caribbean territories which have adopted broader cannabis reforms.
He pointed to Grenada’s recent moves towards decriminalisation and developments in Antigua, where cannabis farming and Rastafarian tourism had become growing industries.
Place for pot
“I am seeing so much good being done in Antigua,” he said. “Cannabis has found a place in their society and even tourism is benefiting from it.”
Ras Simba argued cannabis was often used therapeutically by ordinary people seeking relaxation after work or stress relief.
“When people say recreational use, that is really therapeutic use,” he said. “It is people trying to ease stress after a long day.”
At the same time, he warned against mixing marijuana with alcohol and harder drugs, saying that combination often contributed to negative behaviour associated with parties and public events.
“If youngsters only used cannabis and not alcohol and other substances, violence would be reduced,” he said.
Ras Simba also questioned whether the current $200 penalty for possession of 14 grammes or less was acting as any deterrent.
“Young people will pay the $200,” he said, adding that the reduced penalties had created a sense of liberation among many users even though cannabis technically remained illegal.
When contacted Lalu Hanuman, who is representing Ras Simba, said he would speak on Wednesday after the outcome of the case. (NS)
