ST GEORGE’S, Grenada (CMC) – A member of the recently established Commission on Cannabis Legalisation and Regulation in Grenada has warned that the legalisation of marijuana will not happen overnight and in the interim is recommending that persons 25 years and under who were charged, convicted and or imprisoned for simple cannabis possession, be pardon by the Governor General.

“This thing is not going to happen overnight, it is going to take time,” said attorney Anselm Clouden, who represents the Ministry of Legal Affairs on the Commission.

He told reporters that “for example, we have laws on the book that prohibit possession of any quantity from one marijuana cigarette joint to how much for possession of trafficking”.

Clouden is of the opinion that while the laws relating to cannabis are under review, the government should clean the records of those who have this criminal conviction against their names.

“There is a need to signal to the public and I will show advice that persons, young persons 25 and under that were charged, some imprisoned or convicted, that a pardon could be given to them now,” he said.

The prominent criminal lawyer said those people under the age of 25 are in a special group because they will want to pursue studies overseas, become more viable on the job market, and travel to foreign universities as well as needing a visa to travel to either reside or be reunited with relatives.

“Having that stain on your record, especially young people inhibits or sometimes creates denial on such applications …it does say what quantity you have it just says that you were found guilty of being in possession of a controlled drug,” he said.

He is therefore advocating for those who were convicted for simple possession to receive a pardon from the Governor General as allowed under Section 72 of the Constitution Act which focuses on the Prerogative of Mercy.

However, these actions can only occur, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister.

Clouden said that some of those charged may or may not have done time in prison but there should be a clearing of the record that should be done through a pardon.

“The Governor General can pardon them so they become “virgo intacta” with a clean record, so they can apply for visas to travel and not have to say on those applications that they have been convicted of possession or simple possession. I think that is a good step in the right direction only,” he argued.

Clouden further explained that whatever recommendations presented by the Commission, they will be in conformity with the Caribbean Community (Caricom) guidelines given that the regional countries have done extensive research in this area, both on the medical and on the recreational fronts.

The Grenada government has appointed businesswoman, Rolanda McQueen, as the chairman of the 12-member Commission on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation whose task includes holding consultations with the public as the government seeks to develop a framework for the legalisation of cannabis in Grenada.