Rastafarians have again expressed concern about being prosecuted for having ganja, even when the plant is labelled as sacrament.

The issue has been a long standing one with claims and counter claims, and very little progress made in resolving it.

One of the most recent confrontations between the cops and Rasta community, resulted in the arrest, charge and conviction of Charles Largie also known as ‘Ras Negus’ in February.

Ras Negus, accompanied by 2 other elders, Ras Iyah V, and Ras Jabaly held a press briefing in St. James today to again highlight their grouse, and call for the relevant authorities to give clear guidelines to the police on how to treat with Rastafarian sacramental marijuana. 

Under the Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Act 2015, adherents to the Rastafarian faith are permitted to smoke ganja for sacramental purposes in locations registered as places of Rastafarian worship.

Ras Iyah V outlined the amended act, noting that despite this legislation the police continue to charge Rastafarians for possession of and dealing in an illegal drug, as in the case of Ras Negus.

Ras Iyah V said the court case involving Ras Jabaly, had the opposite outcome.   

He said the situation is too ambiguous and requires clarity.