The possession of less than 30 grammes of cannabis has been decriminalised in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Dangerous Drugs Amendment Act No 24 of 2019 was proclaimed by Her Excellency Paula-Mae Weekes, bringing the new law into effect on Monday 23 December, 2019.

But full ‘legalisation’ of marijuana is yet to occur in Trinidad and Tobago, as the proposed Cannabis Control Bill is still in the process of being drafted and presented to the Parliament.

The smoking of marijuana in a public place remains an offence.

In a media release dated 22 December, 2019, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Services highlighted key offences under the Act.

Any person in possession of more than 30 grammes of cannabis or 5 grammes of cannabis resin commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $50,000.00. And any person in possession of more than 60 grammes of cannabis or 10 grammes of cannabis resin commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $75,000.00

Meanwhile, a person who cultivates or has in his possession more than four growing plants of the genus cannabis, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $50,000.00.

A person who smokes or uses cannabis or cannabis resin in a public place commits an offence and is liable, on summary conviction, to a fine of $250,000.00, and to imprisonment for five years.

An owner of, or any person who has the sole or shared responsibility for managing, supervising, or regulating the use of, a public place (an indoor or outdoor area, whether privately or publicly owned, to which the public has access by right or by invitation, expressed or implied, whether by payment of money or not but does not include any premises in actual use as a dwelling which are not used for commercial purposes) shall ensure that any person who smokes or uses cannabis or cannabis resin in that public place cease and desist from such smoking or use and may remove or evict that person from the public place.

Furthermore, a person who: (a) whilst under the influence of cannabis does anything which constitutes negligence, professional malpractice or professional conduct; (b) has cannabis or cannabis resin in his possession on a school bus or in or any premises where children are present for the purpose of education or attending or participating in any sporting activity or operates, navigates, or is in actual physical control of any motor vehicle, aircraft, or ship while under the influence of cannabis, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $250,000.00 and to imprisonment for five years.

About The Author Jason Nathu

Jason Nathu is an Attorney-at-Law and Tutor attached to the Legal Aid Clinic at the Hugh Wooding Law School.