BAIN and Grants Town MP Travis Robinson criticized the country’s marijuana laws Friday night and appeared to express support for some form of marijuana decriminalization.

He was speaking during the final night of the Free National Movement’s youth convention hosted by the Torchbearers Association.

He said: “When I think about my brothers on the blocks and on the streets in our inner city communities who are taken before the courts for being in possession of small ounces of marijuana, it causes me to pause and wonder what about their futures. I understand their struggle and I’ve lived their frustration. Smoking a joint should not make you a criminal and it sure doesn’t make you a murderer. Our current laws on marijuana cause unnecessary confrontations between decent young people and police. A country should not throw a 16 year old behind bars for being caught with a joint, only for him to be released a year and a half later with a police record that says 'in possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.' Now he can’t get a job, can’t get a visa, can’t travel, and can’t take care of his family. The government has set up a commission to examine these laws. I eagerly await its findings. I say to the constituents of Bain and Grants Town that I will be a passionate voice of reform on this issue.”

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