Commissioner of Police Mark Payne has issued a reminder to those visiting Montserrat for the St Patrick’s Festival about the island’s strict cannabis laws.
“Marijuana is still illegal on the island, and what we don’t want is people coming here not knowing that, and having their experience ruined by being detained at the entry points to the island,” he said.
The police chief was speaking on the topic during an interview on ZJB Radio on 13 February, in which he said he is aware the laws in Montserrat are different from some nearby islands.
For example, in December 2024, the personal use and possession of a small amount of cannabis was decriminalised for adults in Anguilla.
“We know that there are cultures that are celebrated in other places where people use marijuana,” the commissioner said.
“What we don’t want is people coming onto the island and… ending up on the wrong side of the immigration and the legal system in the country.”
Common sense
Payne said that while there are laws which officers of the Royal Montserrat Police Service must enforce, they are also encouraged to use their discretion and common sense.
For example, if someone is using cannabis in their own home or in a small group away from the public, they are much less likely to become subject to any police action, he said.
Meanwhile, others who choose to do it in public places such as outside schools or in areas where other people might be become disturbed will be more likely be detained.
“It’s still illegal on the island, but I encourage our officers to be sensible and proportionate in terms of how they enforce the law,” the police chief explained.
Cannabis and cannabis resin are Class B drugs under the Drugs (Prevention of Misuse) Act.
Amendments approved in the Montserrat Legislative Assembly in 2024 set the maximum fine for possession to EC$1,000 for up to 30 grammes and $50,000 for over 30 grammes.
In extreme cases, importing cannabis could result in a fine of up to $200,000 and 14 years in prison.
