No international fallout from amendments to Dangerous Drugs Act - says Golding

Justice Minister Mark Golding says he does not anticipate a problem with other countries, such as the United States, following Tuesday’s announcement that Cabinet has given approval for amendments to the Dangerous Drugs Act. The amends will allow for the use and possession of marijuana for medical and research purposes.

Golding says, in discussions with the US, Jamaica's position has been a principled one, in relation to the upholding of international conventions.

“We will continue to pursue those very important national security imperatives. The US acknowledges that there is scope in the convention for flexibility in domestic laws, so I don’t anticipate a problem giving the direction that we are going . We will be designing our rules in a way that’s permissible under the international conventions," Golding told RJR News.

He added that the rights and concerns of other countries have been taken into consideration.