The Constitution protects freedom of conscience, including freedom of thought, religion, and belief. The High Court has recognized Rastafari as a religion entitled to constitutional protection. Cannabis is also a judicially accepted sacrament.

The High Court ruled that the previous laws prohibiting possession and cultivation of cannabis without exemption for religious use by Rastafari members infringed upon constitutional rights. It stated that the blanket prohibition on personal cannabis use by adults in private was not justified solely based on health risks.

Smoking or vaping cannabis or cannabis resin outside areas designated for smoking, as defined by the Smoking (Designated Areas) Act, is not allowed. A ticket of EC$500 may be issued for non-compliance. Persons can smoke or vape at their private residence.

Individuals with a license under the Freedom of Conscience (Cannabis) Act can possess up to 56 grams (2 ounces) of cannabis or 15 grams (0.5 ounces) of cannabis resin in certain public places. They can also cultivate up to 5 cannabis plants in a secured area within their private premises and smoke cannabis or cannabis resin in areas designated for smoking.

Yes, adult members of a Rastafari Group holding a registration certificate under the Rastafari Rights Recognition Act, 2023 are legally allowed to grow, harvest, dry, trim, cure, possess, and smoke cannabis as a sacrament at a registered place of assembly.

If a person without a license issued under the Freedom of Conscience (Cannabis) Act possesses up to 56 grams (2 ounces) of cannabis or 15 grams (0.5 ounces) of cannabis resin in certain public places or cultivates up to 5 cannabis plants in a secured area within their private premises, they can be ticketed. They will no longer be charged with a criminal offence or risk having a criminal record.

These responsibilities include not driving under the influence of cannabis, not selling cannabis without the appropriate license, not allowing minors or vulnerable persons to access cannabis, and complying with regulations related to designated smoking areas. There are also restrictions on smoking cannabis in certain locations such as school premises and childcare facilities.

The Chief Medical Officer is responsible for approving applications for designated smoking areas at business places or events.

A ticket of $500 can be issued if a person smokes outside of a designated smoking area, regardless of whether it is cannabis, tobacco, or any other substance. Designated smoking areas must be clearly marked with signage.

The Ministry of Ecclestiatical and Faith-Based Affairs, Princes Street, Basseterre, St Kitts.

EC$100 per year. However, persons who apply before December 22, 2023 pay no fee.

You cannot possess cannabis at schools and all other educational institutions; school buses or other educational transportation; hospitals; health centers; churches or other religious establishments except as is permitted under the Act or any other law (except Rastafari places of assembly); police stations or training facilities; defence force camps or training facilities; correctional facilities whether publicly or privately operated; community centres; Government and Statutory Corporation offices; Motor vehicles owned by Government or a Statutory Corporation. You can only smoke cannabis in public in areas designated for smoking by the Chief Medical Officer.

The only way you can lawfully buy cannabis is from a dispensary licensed by the Medical Cannabis Authority. Persons selling cannabis without such a license commit a criminal offense punishable by fine or imprisonment.