RASTAFARI MEMBER FINED FOR CANNABIS DESPITE HAVING PERMIT

A Ras Freeman community member was fined $5,000 after being caught with 320 grams of cannabis during a routine traffic stop – despite having a permit for sacramental use of the plant.

Mario Semper of Bathlodge says he was transporting the cannabis from his farm to his home for personal use. While he showed officers his permit as a member of Ras Freeman, the amount exceeded the legal 15-gram limit for personal use, in contrast to the 2-ounce (56.7-gram) limit for medicinal use. The law allows for a person to grow up to four cannabis plants, but transporting any amount over 15 grams for personal use is illegal.

Acting Chief Magistrate Dexter Wason acknowledged this isn’t the first time this issue has come up, noting current laws don’t accommodate transportation for those legally permitted to grow and use cannabis for personal or sacramental use.

The magistrate showed some leniency, imposing a reduced fine and giving Semper 30 days to pay, while expressing hope that such cases could lead to the law being revisited.

More in the ABS News at 7.