Rastafarian advocate Ras Iyah V is urging the Jamaican Government to urgently clarify and enforce legal protections for the sacramental use of ganja, amid continued reports of harassment and inconsistent treatment by police and the courts.
The call follows a significant court ruling in Westmoreland, where Ras Jermaine Jackson, a licensed sacramental cultivator, was acquitted of possession and dealing charges. The judge also ordered that 70 pounds of ganja, seized during a police raid on May 27 at his Negril home, be returned. Jackson, affiliated with the religious group Herbs for the Pure, was represented by attorney Dr. Marcus Goffe, who successfully proved his legal right to cultivate and use ganja for religious purposes.
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While welcoming the court’s decision, Ras Iyah V said the incident underscores the ongoing mistreatment of Rastafarians, many of whom still face legal action despite amendments to the Dangerous Drugs Act in 2015, which recognizes their right to use ganja sacramentally.
“We’ve had endless meetings with the police commissioner and government ministers, but Rastas are still being harassed. Enough talk—what we need is action,” said Ras Iyah V, a former board member of the Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA).
He noted that some Rastafarians have received formal documentation for sacramental ganja use, but many others, though practicing their faith sincerely, do not have papers and continue to be targeted.
“The Government must declare once and for all that Rastas should be left alone. The law already says so.”
Section 10 of the 2015 amendment allows individuals to cultivate up to five ganja plants for personal use, but Rastafarians have broader rights under the sacramental exemption. Ras Iyah V emphasized that these rights are often overlooked, leading to confusion and unfair treatment.
He also criticized what he described as inconsistent rulings in the courts, referencing two recent cases with the same charges—one dismissed, the other resulting in a fine.
“It’s unjust. The law must be applied equally. Rastas shouldn’t be in court at all for sacramental ganja use.”
In response, Ras Iyah V has written to Chief Justice Bryan Sykes, calling for structured dialogue between the judiciary and the Rastafarian community. He’s also pushing for increased awareness within the police force.
“Police stations should display copies of the 2015 amendment so officers know the law. I brought one to a station in Montego Bay, and they said it was the first time they were seeing it.”
His message to the state is simple:
“The law is clear. It’s time for it to be fully understood and respected—not left up to individual police or judges. Rastafarians deserve protection from injustice, not continued persecution.”
