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A final looking back

The process of gathering data through interviews went smoothly and no problems occurred. However the work was delayed due to complications with the exchange of interview data with our trinbagonian conterparts. The interview data necessary to compare the two countries wasn’t revived until after the assignment was due. Besides these inconveniences the gathering of peer reviewed articles and other sources of information came along nicely. There was no lack of content regarding the subject studied. In retrospect we should have been even more presistnat in requesting the other groups responses.

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Conclusion

Comparing the historical backgrounds of the countries there are several similarities. Both Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago were introduced to ganja through the Indian workforce sent to the Caribbean in the mid 19th century. Commonly used by plantation workers it was embedded in the countries respective lower classes. Differences started occurring along with the prohibition of the plant. Whilst the Rastafarian movement in Jamaica strongly opposed the criminalization as the usage was part of their religious practices, Trinidad and Tobago didn’t have any major opposition of the law. The objection of the Rastafarians slowly helped normalize the use of ganja in Jamaican society. The wast historical differences from the 1930’s and onwards have influenced the ways in which the countries vary today.

When analyzing the interviews we found that most attitudes were shared. The greatest distinction found was the legal status of the drug. Several aspects found in the study could be viewed as signs that Trinidad and Tobago will be following in Jamaica’s footprints and either legalize or decriminalize the drug within the near future.

Just like their Jamaican counterparts the individuals interviewed in Trinidad and Tobago claimed Rastafarians to be a strong factor striving for more liberal use. Inspired by the Jamaican approach to the prohibition Rastafarian movements are striving towards a decriminalization in Trinidad and Tobago as well. Considering the great impact Rastafari had on the changes of law there is a possibility a similar process could give resembling results.

The increased knowledge of the medical benefits of the drug was acknowledged in the interviews conducted in Trinidad and Tobago. Just like in the rest of the Caribbean region there is an ongoing discussion about marijuana as a cheaper and more natural alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals.

During the interviews, it was also argued that Trinidad and Tobago are likely to follow in the footsteps of other countries. Seeing that Jamaica, as well as the United States and Canada, are changing their views of the drug it’s possible that Trinidad and Tobago find inspiration, especially considering the positive outcomes. One of the main benefits to arise from the decriminalization is economic growth. The economic benefits along with an increasing awareness of the medical advantages might help the process of decriminalization.

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Discussion: Similarities and differences in attitudes

At first glance, the most visible distinction between the two countries is the legal differences. Jamaica decriminalized use and possession of small amounts of the drug in 2015, causing a shift in perception amongst many Jamaicans. In Trinidad & Tobago, there are harder laws surrounding use and possession. Users might be heavily fined or even sentenced to serve jail time for smoking or carrying the drug. However, some interviewees in Trinidad indicated a shift towards a more liberal perception of the drug among young people. Many saw this shift as being heavily influenced by Jamaican popular culture. In fact, no one indicated that they were influenced by their local Trinbagonian popular culture. Influences mostly came from places abroad (such as Jamaica; Canada and the US) and not necessarily from domestic advocates. One has to keep in mind that ganja isn’t as rooted in the Trinbagonian culture as it is compared to the Jamaican. Through popular culture and the Rastafarian tradition, ganja in Jamaica has been given a larger historical and cultural significance than in other Caribbean countries. Attitudes are also seen as more divided along ethnic lines in Trinidad & Tobago then Jamaica in general. There was still a stereotype in both countries of black men being those who primarily used it, even though this perception was even clearer amongst people in Trinidad & Tobago.

Despite these distinct cultural and legal differences, attitudes towards ganja in Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago still share some common themes. Both countries experience varying degrees of resistance towards ganja. Users both experienced prejudice as coming from similar groups in their respective societies. Those most actively discouraging the use of ganja were in both countries found to be older people and religious groups. Many of the advocates against usage associated the drug with criminality. The attitudes amongst young people were nevertheless in both societies seen as an indicator that changes towards more liberal attitudes draw near.

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Perceptions of ganja in Jamaica

Summarizing the information collected during the interviews about Jamaican attitudes towards ganja it was clear that the opinions are still very divided. Even though it seems as the attitudes generally have changed for the better with people being more accepting of it today, there is still a lot of stigma attached to it. The negative opinions are mainly expressed by older generations who tend to associate it with criminality. This association can be traced back to the early 20th century when the colonial powers portrayed it as a reason for increased crime rates. One of the groups closely linked to the usage are the Rastafarians who were stereotyped as criminals (Caricom, 2018). The people interviewed also argued that females were less prone to use cannabis openly than men. These assumptions are supported by statistics. In Jamaica 796 males and 141 females were arrested for possession of marijuana during 2017 (caricom, 2018). The reason for this was believed to be societies gender roles and the expected behavior assigned to men and females. Women are generally viewed as more responsible and thought to be more aware of their reputation as “proper” and “healthy”. Females who smoke are not depicted as attractive while it is more socially accepted for men. Links were also made between socioeconomic background and choice of drug. While people belonging to the upper class were thought to consume drugs such as cocaine, cannabis was said to be a drug for economically poorer groups in society. Even though these assumptions were made without evidence or facts, statistics show that arrests and convictions for possession is more common amongst certain societal groups. It is important to note that the numbers of arrests don’t correspond with the actual usage as racial and classist prejudice regarding consumption of marijuana affect the legal system and those working within it (caricom, 2018). The more positive aspects mentioned were the unifying abilities of the drug as some see it as a form of socialising. Along with the social aspects it’s relaxing effects were also mentioned. Caribbean community (CARICOM) secretariat. (2018). Report of the CARICOM regional commission in marijuana 2018. Georgetown, Guyana: Caribbean community (CARICOM) secretariat.

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Perceptions of Ganja in Trinidad & Tobago

This is a compilation of interviews conducted in Trinidad & Tobago by students at the UWI St. Augustin Campus.

Many Trinbagoninans acknowledge that in their country, the use of ganja is stigmatized and viewed negatively. There is a divide between the young and the old in terms of acceptance. Older persons generally don’t accept the use of ganja while young persons tend to be more open towards using it. Some still recognized that older persons do smoke it as well but not as near to the same extent. Religion plays a big part in this as it is seen as a disgrace to many religions. Various religious bodies around Trinidad & Tobago have advocated against the drug. Some of these organizations associate the use of marijuana with other heavy drugs and criminality. Attitudes also vary with ethnicity. Many were under the impression that Africans descendants tended to smoke more than Indians. Differences in attitudes were by some believed to be coming from the variations in traditions and culture between the African and Indian population. I believe the younger Indians smoke more as they are young and are faced with peer pressure. Amongst young people, its use appears as such to be more equally distributed in terms of race. It is a predominantly a male herb seen along gender lines. But more and more women seem to be participating in ganja smoking. One person argued to see the dived more along class lines. People who are middle and lower class generally support cannabis more because it is more commonly used in those communities, whereas people who tend to be amongst the upper classes don’t have any familiarity with it.

The more favorable views amongst young people were by some seen as being influenced by Jamaican culture through Rastafarians as well as the mentioning of the herb in reggae and dancehall videos. Even though Rastafarians have historically influenced the use of ganja, it’s not necessarily used spiritually nowadays but rather for recreational purposes and enjoyment. Cannabis use isn’t as historically rooted in the culture of Trinidad & Tobago as it is in Jamaica. People are now becoming more open-minded about the herb and acknowledging that it can also have medical benefits. More and more governments are putting legislation to decriminalize the use of ganja in other Caribbean countries as well as in Canada and some US states. This is influencing the government of Trinidad & Tobago to take steps along those lines as well. Law enforcement has been looking into changing laws surrounding the herb and various interest groups have advocated for decriminalization as well. One person interviewed for this assignment was under the impression that a large number of lawyers are actually pro-marijuana; they don’t agree with the current laws and want to see them changed. The harsh laws surrounding ganja in Trinidad & Tobago is believed to have stigmatized its use, reinforcing negative views of the drug.

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[I hope that] as many peo­ple as pos­si­ble will sign this pe­ti­tion so that the pow­ers that be may hear the de­sire of the peo­ple to make this land, our home, a more mer­ci­ful place.

- Archbishop of Trinidad and Tobago Joseph Harris about the unjust incarcerations 

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Importantly, in Trinidad and Tobago, the heavy, mandatory minimum penalties under section 5(5) of the Dangerous Drug Act, which imposed a mandatory minimum penalty of a fine of $100,000 and 25 years of imprisonment, with a further term of 15 years of imprisonment in the event of default of payment of the fine (a total of 40 years imprisonment) for trafficking was declared unconstitutional by the Court of Appeal in the case of Barry Francis, Roger Hinds v The State.

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat. (2018).  Report of the CARICOM Regional Commission on Marijuana 2018. 

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current situation in Trinidad and Tobago

Unlike Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago still have very strict laws regarding the possession and usage of cannabis. In case a court rules the possession of the drug to be meant for trafficking a fine for at least $100.000 must be paid and minimum of 25 years in prison served. If the fine isn’t paid an additional 15 years will be added to the penalty.

Despite cannabis still being illegal in Trinidad and Tobago discussions regarding a possible decriminalization or even legalization are being held. Earlier this year the prime minister Keith Rowley accepted a petition with 10.000 signatures and promised that further discussion regarding the matter would be held. Besides Rastafarian groups arguing for decriminalization prominent profiles in the Trinbagonian society have also spoken up against the harsh punishments. Among these a former judge, an Independent Senator and the chief justice (Caricom, 2018).

Archbishop of Trinidad and Tobago Joseph Harris commenced a petition to free those awaiting trial longer than the penalties they would have to serve if they were found guilty, many of the individuals are incarcerated due to marijuana possession (Sant, 2016). 

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat. (2018). Report of the CARICOM Regional Commission on Marijuana 2018. Georgetown, Guyana : Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat

Sant, R. (2016, April 29). Pardon petition now online. Trinidad and Tobago Guardian. Retrieved 2018-11-02 from https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/pardon-petition-now-online-6.2.353557.563224a522

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Postcolonial evolution of Cannabis use in Jamaica – From Rastafarian resistance to decriminalisation

When Jamaica transitioned to a capitalist economic system, many migrated to the urban areas in search of work. In the urban areas immigration led to a surge in communities where the poor and unemployed resided. Growing and selling ganja in these areas provided many with a good source of income – it became an economic necessity. Many (primarily men) would gather in the yards of these neighbourhoods to smoke and engage in discussions about their disenfranchised situation and the oppression they experienced coming from the colonial powers, the church, the state and the upper classes. These so called groundings or sessions can as such be seen as returning the plant to its spiritual roots. The growing Rastafarian movement can be seen as intertwining theses traditional spiritual usages of the herb with their ideas of black liberation and repatriation. The Rastafarians grew in the 20thcentury to become a progressive social movement, challenging the status quo of society. The UK banned the use of ganja in 1928. In 1954 it was banned in Jamaica as well. Since Rastafarians were the ones primarily using it, the government now had reasons as to round them up and incarcerate them. This period came to reinforce the Rastafarian belief that all evil is man made. Since ganja is a natural plant of the earth, they argued that it couldn’t be viewed as such. Out of this came the view of ganja as the holy herb, which later led many to consider it a sacred sacrament (Benard, 2007). Jamaica has since become internationally associated with ganja. Many cultural icons and musicians have for long mentioned it in songs, advocated its consumption and used symbolism associated with the plant. Even if many up until this day frown upon it, the plant still holds a special place in Jamaican culture. Due to the divided approach towards cannabis the topic of decriminalization has long been debated. In 2015 a law regulation was introduced in Jamaica that made possession of two ounces or less no longer a criminal act. Whilst the act isn’t fully legal as the police can issue a ticket for J$500 it cannot be brought to trial. Parts of the law made special arrangements regarding religious use, on reregistered sites that have been permitted permission Rastafarians are now allowed to use the drug (CARICOM, 2018). Benard, A. (2007). The Material Roots of Rastafarian Marijuana Symbolism. History and Anthropology, 18(1), 89-99.

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Introduction of Cannabis to the Caribbean

The British brought ganja from east India to the Caribbean in the early 19th century in order to make hemp. The plant itself is an invasive species, and the favourable climate of the Caribbean led it to spread and grow in the wild. With the arrival of indentured East Indian labourers in 1845 the plant started to be grown for recreational and medicinal purposes. The East Indians is believed to have introduced the black Jamaican population to their traditional ritual practices and symbolism surrounding the plant; the word ganja is itself derived from the Hindu language (Benard 2007). The drug quickly became very popular among young labourers on various estates. In countries like Jamaica and Barbados the drug was integrated into plantations, where it along with rum brought some degree of comfort for the labourers During this period the landowners viewed the act of smoking positively, since it helped pacify labourers and increased their productivity. As long as the consumption of the substances didn’t intervene or harm the production levels they were allowed (Benard, 2007; Warf, 2014). The popularity of cannabis arose and both local growers and store selling occurred in Jamaica as well as Trinidad. After being deemed a cause of increasing criminality cannabis was illegalized in 1913. The criminalization of was based upon economic reasons where the British colonial powers in India put taxes on the trade in order to prevent non-governmental actors from profiting of the substance. But years of usage of the drug it had been embedded in the Caribbean societies, which resulted in it still being common after prohibition (Warf, 2014). The drug also had great economical value for the region, as Jamaica was the largest non-legal exporter in central and South America, selling to North America as well as other Caribbean countries such as Trinidad and Tobago (CARICOM, 2018).  Benard, A. (2007). The Material Roots of Rastafarian Marijuana Symbolism. History and Anthropology, 18(1), 89-99.

Warf, B. (2014). High points: an historical geography of cannabis*. Geographical review, 104 (4), 414-438.

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat. (2018).  Report of the CARICOM Regional Commission on Marijuana 2018. Georgetown, Guyana : Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat

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Ganja and its origins

The ganja plant (also known as: Cannabis, Marijuana, Weed etc.) has for thousands of years been harvested and put to use by humans. The plant is indigenous to central and south Asia where it is believed to been grown for around 12.000 years. Prior to being used for medicinal or recreational purposes it was mainly harvested as hemp. Because of its strong fibres it was for a long time used to make rope. Before cotton and silk was introduced to the area, hemp was also the primary material used in the making of clothes (Wright 2011; Pain 2015).

One of the earliest recordings of cannabis being used for medicinal purposes is found in the writings of Chinese emperor Shen Nung ca. 2700 B.C. In the writings he mentions the plant being used in treating diagnoses such as rheumatism and malaria. Egyptian scrolls dating 1550 B.C. also mentioned the plant being used in treating different conditions. Since the plant was not indigenous to this part of the world, the scroll suggests it was an early commodity exchanged through trade. There are also records of the plant being used for treating gladiators in ancient Rome, treating complications of childbirth in Jerusalem and to treat Saxons in Roman Britain (Wright 2011; Pain 2015). Wright, J. (2011). A history of Cannabis from ‘marijuana’ to ‘dope’. British Journal of School Nursing, 6(9), 460-461. Pain, S. (2015). A potted history. Nature, 525(7570), S10-S11.

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Introduction

Cannabis is a hot topic and opinions regarding the use of it keeps dividing people till this day. Jamaica has been closely associated with the substance for a long time, not least because of the religious purpose it serves for the Rastafarians. As of 2015 possession of smaller amounts was decriminalized on the island. Despite this decision, the stigma surrounding the drug is still very existing in contemporary Jamaica. With the purpose of presenting how the attitudes vary among the population of Jamaica and its neighboring country, Trinidad and Tobago five interviews were conducted in each of the countries. Using studies made upon the subject of marijuana and historical background this paper seeks to predict whether or not the changing attitudes will cause Trinidad and Tobago to follow in Jamaica's footsteps and decriminalize it within a near future. 

Information was gathered through interviews conducted by students at the University of the West Indies (UWI) both at Jamaica’s Mona campus and at the St. Augustine campus in Trinidad & Tobago. The notes from the interviews were compiled and later compared to the information gathered at the opposite campus. Complementing material relevant to discussing ganja and its history was gathered through reviewing articles and collecting information through online sources. These are cited in the text using the APA system of referencing. UWI Mona students John Gordon and Nicole Moberg created this presentation.