Rastafarians concerned their right to use ganja being eroded following conviction of 'Ras Negus'

Two prominent Rastafarian organisations are demanding that the Government recognise their exemption under the Dangerous Drugs Act and fully protect their rights to the sacramental use of ganja.

Shocked by the conviction of Charles 'Ras Negus' Largie, who was charged with possession of approximately two pounds of ganja found within his sacramental space in Montego Bay, St James, the Ras Tafari Mansions and Organisations (RMO) are questioning why, even after the passage of the Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Act in 2015, they are still being targeted for arrest, search, prosecution, conviction and sentencing.

The Ras Tafari Ganja and Grass Roots Association (RAGGA), of which Ras Negus is a member, echoes the same concerns, emphasising the continued plight of Rastafarians despite legal advancements.

Ras Negus was convicted for possession and dealing in ganja on January 18 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Thursday.

Concerned about the likelihood of imprisonment, supporters have organised a protest in the vicinity the courthouse at noon.

“Ras Negus is the founder of Ras Tafari Root House, a well-known and established sacramental space in Montego Bay. It is one of the spaces where Rastafari elders and adult community members can obtain their sacrament freely, safely and of high quality,” the groups state.

Their position is that, in light of Rastafarians' constitutional rights to use ganja, now recognised in the Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Act 2015, the presumption of dealing ganja does not apply to members of the Rastafarian community who possess ganja for religious purposes in adherence to the Rastafarian faith.

They argue that there is no limit to the amount of ganja which Rastafarians can legally possess under the law, provided it is being used or to be used for religious purposes. The two-ounce limit under section 7F does not apply to the Rastafarian community, they argue.

The groups say Ras Negus is one of the original transporters and distributors of Rastafarian sacrament, authorised, to transport and distribute Ganja for Rastafarian sacramental events, including, Rastafari Rootzfest, Herb Curb at Rebel Salute and Canna Corner at Reggae Sumfest.

“Ras Negus is clearly a Rastaman. His space is clearly a Rastafari space. The herb was clearly marked 'Rastafari sacrament'. He was not seen selling ganja to anyone,” the groups state.

- Janet Silvera

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