Diaspora, Africa – (African Boulevard News) – Rastafari community in Antigua and Barbuda has been granted authorization to grow and use their sacred herb for medicinal and religious purposes. The government of the twin-island Caribbean nation said it would allow the Rastafari community to cultivate cannabis, popularly known as ganja, for spiritual use. This is a significant milestone for the community who have long fought for the right to use it as an essential part of their religious practices.
According to Baba Jah Point, a Rastafarian elder, “We see it as a food source, we see it as a sacrament in terms of, like I said, it aids us into meditation and tap into consciousness and all these things. You know, to deprive us of our food, of our sacrament, of our plant, is immoral and unjust.”
In recent years, Antigua and Barbuda have been considering legalizing cannabis for medicinal purposes, and now, the Rastafari community has been given the green light to grow their herb on designated lands. The license will be provided to the community, enabling them to legally cultivate, possess, and supply marijuana.
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Barbuda Affairs, Samantha Marshall, has expressed her support for the decision by the government, stating that it’s essential to recognize and respect the cultural and religious practices of all citizens.
The Rastafari community has faced significant challenges around the world due to the prohibition of cannabis, which they consider a sacrament. Despite its widespread use in Rastafari culture, cannabis remains illegal in most Caribbean countries, where it is generally regarded as being synonymous with recreational drug use.
However, countries such as Antigua and Barbuda are slowly recognizing the potential benefits of legalizing the herb, not only for medicinal purposes but also for spiritual use. The decision to legalize the herb could also have a positive effect on the country’s economy, with the Rastafari community set to benefit from the employment opportunities generated by the industry.
In conclusion, the decision by Antigua and Barbuda to grant authorization to Rastafari to grow their sacred herb represents a significant step in the right direction towards recognizing and respecting the religious and cultural practices of minority groups. It signals the intention of the government to be more inclusive and embrace diversity while also potentially boosting their economy. The decision is one that will be welcomed by the Rastafari community and represents a victory for them in their long fight to have their religious practices recognized and respected.
