PM Browne Announces Upcoming Legislation to Pardon Minor Cannabis Convictions

Published
PM Browne Announces Upcoming Legislation to Pardon Minor Cannabis Convictions

Prime Minister Gaston Browne, says his government is preparing to introduce legislation that will pardon individuals previously convicted for possessing small quantities of cannabis.

PM Browne announced on his social media page earlier today.

According to PM Browne, the bill is expected to be tabled at the next Parliament sitting.

whatsapp-group-names-for-family-friends (1)

The proposed legislation aims to clear the criminal records of citizens and residents who were convicted solely for minor cannabis offences, leaving them with a clean criminal record.

Antigua and Barbuda decriminalized the possession of up to 15 grams of cannabis in 2018, but past convictions have continued to affect individuals’ employment, travel, and social mobility.

Once passed, the bill is expected to outline the eligibility criteria and mechanism for clearing records.

This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2025/06/04/pm-browne-announces-upcoming-legislation-to-pardon-minor-cannabis-convictions. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

Step 1

Add Antigua.news to your Home Screen

✕ antigua.news ⋯ Open in Safari Copy link Share…

First, open this page in Safari

You are reading inside another app (Instagram, Facebook…). Tap ⋯ at the top right and choose Open in Safari (or Open in browser).

No such option? Copy the link, open Safari and paste it in the address bar.

⚙️ Settings General › Software Update

Update your iPhone first

Alerts need iOS 16.4 or newer. Open Settings → General → Software Update and install the update. You can still add the icon now: tap Next.

‹ antigua.news ⋯

Tap the ⋯ button

It is at the bottom right of Safari, next to the address bar. Don't see the bar? Scroll up a little.

Share Add Bookmark New Tab Find on Page

Tap Share

It is the first option of the menu, with a square-and-arrow icon.

antigua.news ‹ › ▢ ⧉

Tap the Share button

The square with an arrow pointing up, in the middle of the bar at the bottom (on iPad: at the top right).

antigua.news

Tap the Share button

The square with an arrow, at the right of the address bar at the top. (Firefox: tap ☰ at the bottom, then Share.)

Copy Add to Reading List Add to Home Screen

Tap Add to Home Screen

Scroll down the list to find it (icon: a square with a +). Not there? Tap Edit Actions or View More at the bottom.

Cancel Add to Home Screen Add Antigua.news Open as Web App

Keep Open as Web App on, then tap Add

The switch must be green — without it, alerts can't work. Then tap Add at the top right.

Cancel Add to Home Screen Add Antigua.news An icon will be added to your Home Screen so you can quickly access this website.

Tap Add

At the top right. If you see an Open as Web App switch, leave it on (green).

Antigua.news

Close the browser and open Antigua.news from its new icon

Go to your Home Screen: the Antigua.news icon is there now (swipe left if you don't see it). Alerts only work when you open us from this icon.

“Antigua.news” Would Like to Send You Notifications Notifications may include alerts, sounds and icon badges. Don’t Allow Allow

Tap 🔔 Turn on alerts, then Allow

In the app you will see a red box asking to turn on alerts: choose your sections, tap the button, then tap Allow. That's it — breaking news will reach you even with the phone locked.

Shermain Bique-Charles

About the author

Shermain Bique-Charles is an accomplished journalist with over 24 years of dynamic experience in the industry. Renowned for her exceptional storytelling and investigative skills, she has garnered numerous awards that highlight her commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence. Her work not only informs but also inspires, making her a respected voice in the field.

Read our editorial standards and corrections policy. Spotted an error? Contact the newsroom.

Comments (7)

  • Extra June 4, 2025, 8:05 PM

    Gaston you calling elections soon or what? Asking for my friends
    Reply
  • Teacher for Life June 4, 2025, 8:11 PM

    Now that’s what I’m talking about. I’ve always believed that a person should not be incarcerated or have their life ruined over a plant that the Almighty has given us so thank you my beloved Prime Minister Browne for taking this initiative.
    Reply
  • Stone June 4, 2025, 8:13 PM

    …and that’s going to solve the major problem we are having concerning the drug????
    Reply
  • Antigua Surf June 4, 2025, 8:16 PM

    Election a come January!! He needs every vote possible. That’s why Skerrit coming here too. They are the twins
    Reply
  • Rhea June 4, 2025, 8:18 PM

    Any who. I see the image clearly
    Reply
  • Apex Jones June 5, 2025, 8:41 AM

    I thought such a legislation was already in place.
    Thanks PM I’m sure the gesture is appreciated
    Reply
  • lol June 6, 2025, 10:28 AM

    RASS GASSY doh play
    Reply

Submit a comment

More from Antigua and Barbuda

View section