High Court Judge Philanda Christian has expressed frustration with the state’s attempts to delay court proceedings concerning the legalization of cannabis. The government requested additional time for the Law Reform and Development Commission (LRDC) to study and review the country’s drug laws.

Judge Christian criticized the LRDC for failing to update the court on its progress or provide a clear timeline for completing its review. 

Fellow High Court Judge Claudia Claasen shared these concerns, reminding the government’s legal team that the LRDC had withdrawn its support in the case. She cautioned the state against invoking the commission in its arguments moving forward.

These comments were made during a hearing of a special plea filed by the state, which argued that the matter should not be decided by the court at this stage. Instead, the state maintained that the executive branch should be allowed to address the issue through legislation.

The case was brought by Brian Jaftha, who contends that cannabis has medicinal value and is used for religious purposes by the Rastafarian community. 

In response, the state argued that such claims raise policy questions beyond the court’s jurisdiction and should be resolved by lawmakers, not judges.

 The state also requested that the court postpone the matter to allow the Minister of Justice to present a comprehensive report on the issue before the National Assembly.