Ticketing Small Quantities of Ganja to Reduce Clogging of Courts

The amendments to the Dangerous Drugs Act, to make possession of small quantities of ganja a non-criminal offence, are expected to reduce by 15,000 per year, the number of such cases to go before the courts.

The legislation, among other things, makes the possession of two ounces or less of ganja a ticketable offence. Persons ticketed by the police will have 30 days to pay online or at a tax office.

Minister of Justice, Senator the Hon. Mark Golding, said dealing with minor ganja cases, which number over 1,000 per month, was a major contributor to the clogging of the courts.

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

The Minister reminded the public that smoking of ganja in a public space, 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 workplaces, 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.