Mario Semper, a resident of Bathlodge and member of the Ras Freeman community, has been ordered to pay $5,000 following a traffic stop that revealed a legal loophole in current cannabis legislation.
During the routine stop, officers discovered Semper in possession of 320 grams of cannabis. Although Semper presented his valid permit allowing sacramental use of the plant, he found himself in violation of transportation regulations that limit personal possession to just 15 grams while in transit.
The cannabis had been legally grown on Semper’s own farm and was being transported to his residence for personal consumption – activities that are permitted under his religious exemption. However, current legislation creates a contradiction: while individuals may legally cultivate up to four cannabis plants and possess larger quantities for medicinal purposes (up to 2 ounces or 56.7 grams), the transportation limit remains fixed at 15 grams for personal use.
This legal inconsistency was not lost on Acting Chief Magistrate Dexter Wason, who noted during proceedings that similar cases have previously come before the court. The magistrate recognized the problematic nature of laws that permit legal cultivation and use but fail to address the practical necessity of transporting cannabis from growing locations to places of consumption.
In consideration of the circumstances, Magistrate Wason reduced the standard penalty and granted Semper a 30-day payment period. The magistrate expressed optimism that such cases might prompt legislative review of the current framework to address these practical gaps in the law.
Can you say what a total bs law that is? Change the possession law asap!!! Rasta nuh even supposed to follow dem local laws anyways!!
It’s a shame to see our brother Mario Semper facing a fine like this. We know that the laws around ganja can be confusing and often unfair, especially for those of us in the Ras Freeman community who see this plant as a natural right, not a crime. Where is Ras Gassy in all of this mele. It’s time for the system to recognize the culture and healing that comes from the herb. Instead of penalizing our people, we should be focusing on reform and understanding, promoting love and unity instead of fines and punishment. One love!
People are still going to jail because of a plant and still being finned bevause of a green bush? Where is the rastafari pushing ital PM habe to say about this ? Now is time to speak uncle gassy. Don’t remain silent now.
Who they suppose to charge they don’t. Give me a break
Law is law! He was not supposed to be in transit with so many
So he saying he one was gonna smoke all that weed?
A ‘gap in law’ is just a polite way of saying the law isn’t properly thought out. Fix it! People shouldn’t be penalized for doing what’s legal.
Yo, mi bredren, this whole ting about Mario Semper just shows how twisted the system be, ya know? A man get caught up in a traffic stop and now he haffi fork out $5,000? That just ain’t right! Dem laws need fi change, man. Cannabis should be legal, inna di way it help out di people, uplift di spirits, and bring a sense of community, yuh see? We can’t allow no more of dis injustice, let di herb be free and let di people enjoy di benefits without di stress of fines and penalties! One love, we need to rise up and fight for what’s right!