Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister discusses granting sacramental marijuana rights to Rastafari in Q&A.
Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne has granted Rastafari official sacramental authorization to grow and smoke marijuana that their faith deems sacred. Browne seeks to prevent further discrimination of the Rastafari and bring respect to their culture and faith. The initiative started with the legalization of marijuana to protect the youth and reduce the jail population. The Rastafari movement preaches brotherly love, good health, and a plant-based diet. Antigua and Barbuda has created a space for a form of reparatory justice for Rastafari, acknowledging the fact that they’ve been discriminated against and marginalized.