Jersey lawmakers have passed new legislation which is described as a ‘step towards’ the decriminalisation of possession of small amounts of cannabis and other Class B and C drugs.
In a vote on Wednesday 7 February, the Jersey States Assembly unanimously approved an amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Law that allows for those caught for repeat possession of small amounts of Class B and C drugs to avoid criminal prosecution.
Currently, guidance says that first-time offenders caught with up to 15 g of cannabis should receive a Written Caution, rather than being progressed through the criminal justice system.
The new legislation sees these guidelines written into law for the first time and expanded to include repeat offenders, who will now be liable for a level one fine of £200.
Each of Jersey’s 12 parishes has an Honorary Police Force, made up of Centeniers, Vignteniers and Constables, elected by parishioners who serve on an unpaid basis.
Since 1998 Centeniers —senior members of the forces and Prosecuting Officers under the Attorney General—have had the power to issue written warnings to first-time offenders, at what is known as Parish Hall enquiries, enabling them to avoid court and a permanent criminal record. This was extended to second-time offenders in 2019.
Under the new law, Centeniers will also be able to issue warnings to repeat offenders, who currently must still be dealt with by the Magistrates court.
The maximum penalty for possession of Class B and C drugs for repeat offenders will be set at £200.
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Jersey passes ‘de jure’ decriminalisation of cannabis for personal use
