Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
GEORGETOWN, Guyana (AP) — Researchers with a Caribbean trade bloc have found that decriminalizing marijuana and exploring its use for medicinal purposes could help boost the region's sluggish economy.
Caricom leaders are expected to talk about the preliminary report in a two-day summit that begins Monday in St. Vincent. The report was released Friday to The Associated Press.
Activists in Jamaica, St. Lucia and other islands have pushed to legalize marijuana use, but many in the Caribbean still consider it a dangerous drug. Marijuana possession can lead to jail time and stiff fines across the region.
Caricom spokesman Leonard Robertson said that leaders will examine the report next week, but noted it is not a key issue on the agenda.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
![modal](https://img.ksl.com/slc/2548/254870/25487033.jpg)