Why it matters: Antigua and Barbuda has become one of the first Caribbean nations to authorize Rastafari to grow and smoke cannabis, which is considered a sacrament by followers of the religion. This move may give a boost to efforts by Rastafari in other parts of the world to gain similar religious protections.
What they are saying: For decades, many Rastafari have been jailed and profiled because of their marijuana use. The new law makes the country “one of the first Caribbean nations to grant Rastafari authorization to grow and smoke their sacramental herb.”
The big picture: The change in law in Antigua and Barbuda may lead to a similar domino effect as the one that has unfolded in the United States over the past decade, where dozens of states and cities have lifted longstanding prohibitions on cannabis within their jurisdictions.
What to watch: The law in Antigua and Barbuda decriminalized the use of marijuana for the general public while also allowing people outside the faith to grow four cannabis plants each and possess up to 15 grams. It’ll be interesting to see whether other countries follow suit and grant similar religious protections to Rastafari.
My take: It’s heartening to see Antigua and Barbuda take this step to protect the religious freedoms of Rastafari. Hopefully, other countries around the world will also recognize the rights of those who use cannabis as a sacrament and follow suit.
