Activists renewed calls for the decriminalisation of marijuana and for the regulation of its use on Monday, when a consultation was hosted by Caricom’s Regional Commission on Marijuana.
The event, which was held at the St. Stanislaus College, saw a turnout of over 50 persons, including social activist Nicole Cole, a member of the Society for Marijuana Activists for Reform and Treatment (SMART), who voiced her support for the decriminalisation of small amounts of the drug and other changes to the draconian laws that govern the substance.
Referencing a recent visit to the New Amsterdam prison, Cole said she interacted with a 77-year-old female prisoner, who had been incarcerated for being in possession of marijuana stems and leaves that she used to brew tea.