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Buzz Kill: Cannabis Puts Luciano’s Tour On Hold
Following an Aug. 24 show in Toronto as part of the “Canadian National Exhibition,” the Jamaican reggae singer/songwriter was set to travel via air to the States Aug. 25.
A post on his Facebook page explains his luggage was searched during an “abnormal interrogation.”
He writes, “During the search a mixture that I normally use as a herb medicine for my throat was found and after numerous tests was claimed to be illegal because it contained cannabis extracts. The herbal liquid was a very small amount (less than one gram), but as a result my visas were revoked and I was denied entry into the US.
“I sincerely regret the inconvenience and disappointment that this will cause as I am also deeply devastated. Please pray for me while I face yet another major obstacle in my life.”
Although it appears that the U.S. tour is postponed, Luciano said he’s hoping to reverse the decision by “pursuing all avenues to appeal.” He added that the news will not affect bookings outside of North America.
The U.S. tour featured a run of California dates including Berkeley, Sacramento, Mill Valley and Santa Barbara, as well as gigs in Seattle and Portland, Ore. He was also supposed to return to Canada for a show in Cloverdale, British Columbia, and play Tijuana, Mexico, Sept. 15.
In March Lucaino postponed his U.K. tour, following the death of his son.