And another small step toward freedom in Antigua and Barbuda. And there's 26 photos in the slide show that the article has, so you may want to click the link for the whole thing. Rastafari gain sacramental rights to marijuana in Antigua and Barbuda, celebrate freedom of worship Rastafari gain sacramental rights to marijuana in Antigua and Barbuda, celebrate freedom of worship LIBERTA, Antigua (AP) — On the same ground where their enslaved ancestors were forced to plant sugar cane, Rastafari on this small island nation are now legally growing and ritualistically smoking marijuana. For Rastafari, the practice brings them closer to the divine. But for decades, many have been jailed and endured racial and religious profiling by law enforcement because of their marijuana use. The government of Antigua and Barbuda has sought to right that wrong. The twin islands recently became one of the first Caribbean nations to grant Rastafari authorization to grow and smoke their sacramental herb. “We’re more free now,” said Ras Tashi, a member of the Ras Freeman Foundation for the Unification of Rastafari, who was arrested several times for growing cannabis but refused to plead guilty because to him, “it’s a God-given plant.” (snipped)
"For Rastafari, the practice brings them closer to the divine. But for decades, many have been jailed and endured racial and religious profiling by law enforcement because of their marijuana use. The government of Antigua and Barbuda has sought to right that wrong. The twin islands recently became one of the first Caribbean nations to grant Rastafari authorization to grow and smoke their sacramental herb." Racial profiling? In what way? Good for the Rastafari but I'm calling BS on the government's attempt to right a wrong. Giving Rastafarians the right to grow as much pot as they want while limiting everyone else to 4 plants and 15 grams is also a discriminatory practice. Treat everyone the same and then they'll be righting a wrong.
@Cactus Ed You are right, but they will get there! It will take a while, but equal rights to grow is an eventuality. But in the meantime, I expect there will be a fair number of folks in Antigua and Barbuda will be converting to Rastafari!