Caricom leaders to debate marijuana legalization at summit

GEORGETOWN, Guyana – 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.