After years of debate, the installed People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has passed a watered-down version of marijuana reform. The bill proposing the reform of the marijuana laws was first introduced to parliament by then AFC Member of Parliament, Michael Carrington.
The primary objective of the amendment was to remove the mandatory minimum sentence for small amounts of marijuana, which was three years. “I do not believe that a person should be jailed for three years for a joint, taking that person away from their family, costing the state $1.2M for that three-year period” Carrington stated at the time.
Harsh marijuana laws have long been proven to disproportionately impact communities of colour in the USA where many states have taken steps to legalize the substance. However, the law does not make marijuana legal in Guyana. Persons found with up to 15 grams can be sent to state-mandated counselling, while 15 to 30 grams can result in a sentence of community service.
Additionally, all restrictions placed on the smoking of cigarettes also apply. This includes no smoking in public places.
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