Public Campaign to Discourage Irresponsible Ganja Smoking

The Government will be undertaking a public education programme to discourage irresponsible ganja smoking and protect vulnerable persons.

Justice Minister, Senator the Hon. Mark Golding, informed that the National Health Fund (NHF) and the National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA) have finalised the details of the programme, which is expected to get underway soon.

He was addressing a town hall meeting yesterday (June 17) at the St. Luke’s Anglican Church in St. Andrew.

He informed that the campaign will discourage ganja use by children, pregnant women, and persons who have certain mental disorders. “They shouldn’t be using it (ganja),” he pointed out.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Act the capacity of the NCDA has been strengthened to take action with respect to vulnerable groups.

The Council will also be undertaking training of the police to deal with persons, who may appear to be dependent on ganja.

The Minister reminded the public that smoking of ganja in public spaces, or within five metres of such areas is prohibited, in a manner similar to cigarettes.

“You must show due respect for others, and not smoke in a public space where others may be,” he said.

Public spaces include the workplace, and any place for use of, or is accessible to the public such as sidewalks, bus stops, restaurants, offices, educational institutions, pharmacies, hospitals, areas used by children, supermarkets, and parks.

The town hall meeting was held to explain and address concerns by the public on the amendments to the Dangerous Drugs Act, commonly referred to as the Ganja Law.

The legislation makes possession of two ounces or less of ganja a non-criminal but ticketable offence.

Minister Golding was the main presenter at the meeting, with support from officials from his Ministry.