The public reminded smoking in public places is prohibited by law
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has made it clear that smoking in public places is against the laws of Antigua and Barbuda.
During the debate on the Misuse of Drugs Amendment Bill this week Browne said he was clarifying what appears to be a misconception by some members of the public even legislators.
“We have observed that those who smoke Cannabis have taken their smoke indiscipline too far. We have had incidents in which individuals have gone into churches, in sanctuaries, smoking marijuana. And that is why we are now focusing initially on cannabis,” Browne said.
Those caught smoking cannabis in public will be subject to a fine not exceeding $2,000.
The head of government also made it clear that his administration did not legalize the recreational use of cannabis.
“The closest we have come to it is in the use of cannabis for sacramental purposes. Mr. Speaker, the other use is for medicinal purposes, which should be controlled and to treat certain ailments. But this idea that my government would liberalize the use of cannabis to the extent that individuals have the right to recreational use of cannabis is not so,” Browne said.
This story was first published by Antigua News on September 19, 2024: antigua.news/2024/09/19/the-public-reminded-smoking-in-public-places-is-prohibited-by-law. © 2024 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.
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H. E. K. W. September 19, 2024, 7:55 AM
Faithful national #1 September 19, 2024, 9:48 AM
Lisa September 19, 2024, 5:11 PM