The Barbados government is pressing ahead with plans to legalise medical marijuana with Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley promising that ordinary Barbadians will have a stake in the industry.

She was speaking as Parliament debated a resolution to note the report of the special parliamentary sub-committee on medicinal marijuana.

Prime Minister Mottley also indicated there will be an opportunity for those who may have been on the wrong side of the law previously to participate in the sector this time legally.

Ms. Mottley again promised a national referendum on legalising marijuana generally but felt there should be special provision for the Rastafarian community.

Meantime, opposition leader Bishop Joseph Atherley while indicating he supports in principle the use of medical marijuana again urged caution in its introduction, warning of possible social and public health implications.