Cannabis in Fiji
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Both the possession and consumption of cannabis, also known as saba (pronounced [ˈsam.ba]),[1] are currently illegal in Fiji, if charged, the minimum prison sentencing is three months.[2]
History
Cannabis ("Indian hemp") was likely introduced to Fiji following the 1879 introduction of Indian workers under the Indentured Labour System.[3]
A 1907 legal journal notes the existence of:
"Ordinance No. 21" which prohibited the "importation of Indian hemp, or any product or preparation therefrom, including gunjah, bhang, chavas, or any article which in the opinion of the Chief Medical Officer of the Colony is capable of substitution therefor.[4]
A 1993 report noted that Fiji faced an "incipient" cannabis problem as youths were exposed to the drug by foreign travelers.[5]
Cultivation
Along with Papua New Guinea, Fiji is one of the main producers of cannabis in Oceania.[6]
Legality of hemp
As of July 2022, hemp became legal in Fiji in an attempt to cultivate the beginning of industrialized use within the country due to its diversified and practical uses.[7] All hemp imported, grown or used for this newly established business must not contain more than a 1% concentration of [tetrahydrocannabinol], the primary component for the psychoactive properties found in cannabis cultivated for recreational use.
References
- ^ "Fiji: Cannabis should be high on the government's agenda | Lowy Institute".
- ^ "Local laws and customs - Fiji travel advice". GOV.UK.
- ^ Fiji. Parliament. Senate. Ad-hoc Select Committee on Drugs, Related Crime and Prostitution (2006). Report of the Senate Ad-hoc Select Committee Established to Look Into the Escalating Use of Drugs and Related Crimes Including Sexual Crimes and Prostitution. Department of the Legislature. p. 13.
- ^ Journal of the Society of Comparative Legislation. The Society. 1907. pp. 466–.
- ^ Department of State Publication (1993). International Narcotics Control Strategy Report: April 1993. The White House. p. 35. ISBN 978-0-16-041729-0.
- ^ Jay Albanese; Philip Reichel (7 May 2013). Transnational Organized Crime: An Overview from Six Continents. SAGE Publications. pp. 151–. ISBN 978-1-4833-2502-6.
- ^ Narayan, Vijay. "Bill to allow for the importation, possession, cultivation, sale and supply of industrial hemp passed in parliament". www.fijivillage.com. Fiji Village.