Jamaica: Bill seeking to cut ganja penalties could have first reading on Thursday

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A bill seeking to soften penalties for possession of marijuana for personal use could have its first reading in Parliament on Thursday.

The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) (Amendment) Bill 2015 is listed under private members’ business on the Order Paper.

APNU+AFC MP Michael Carrington is to move a motion seeking approval of the National Assembly for the introduction and first reading of the bill in accordance with Standing Order No. 52 (1).

Carrington’s move follows a public outcry over the sentencing in November of football coach Vibert Butts to three years imprisonment for possession of 46 grammes of cannabis which he had said was for his private use. Butts is out on bail while the sentence is being appealed. According to the law, possession of any amount of cannabis over 15 grammes is considered trafficking, which is an offence that carries a minimum sentence of three years.

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