About Rastafarian

I think that every human being has the right to practise whatever religious belief they might have. Almost every constitution makes provisions for individuals to enjoy the freedom to worship. However the question would be if Rastafarianism is a religion or way of life. In the Caribbean it has been recognised as a religion and as the article stated the church has been recognised as an official church. I think that the Rastafarian should be allowed the freedom to worship which involves the use of marijuana. Rastafarian are perhaps best known for their religious use of marijuana, which grows plentifully in Jamaica. Rastas know it as ganja, the holy herb, Iley or callie, and believe it was given by God. Scriptural support is found especially in Psalm 104:14: "He causeth the grass for the cattle and herb for the service of man." Other texts interpreted to refer to cannabis include Genesis 3:18, Exodus 10:12, and Proverbs 15:17. In addition to ritual use, Rastas also use marijuana for medicinal purposes, applying it to a variety of ailments including colds. Marijuana is used primarily during the two main Rastafarian rituals: reasonings and nyabingi.#

I believe that they either amend the Drug Act to provide an exception for the religious use of marijuana. Adding an exception to an act was done in the United States of America when they had banned alcohol. Precedents Supporting Religious Use of illegal Sacraments, A. Volstead Act - The act in 1919 that banned the creation, consumption and sale of alcoholic beverages exceeding .5% alcohol by volume. The government made an exception for the Christian churches to continue using wine as a sacrament during their religious gatherings (at the time, a controlled substance).#

To deny and prosecute Rastafarians criminally for the use of marijuana is to violate their constitutional right to freedom or worship.