Marijuana (Ganja) Gains Ground in Jamaica
Jamaica, for many people, is associated with marijuana use and cultivation, and has been for decades, and possibly even hundreds of years. Despite the views of popular culture and its role as one of the #1 cannabis exporters to the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdom, Jamaica hasnt always been happy about its reputation as the ganja vacation capital of the world. In fact, The New York Times reported that the country has enforced draconian drug laws and spent millions on public education to stem its distinction as a pot mecca.(Part of Jamaicas appeal for narcotics dealers and organized crime is its geographical location, which is handy for getting drugs from Latin America to countries up north.) But now marijuana is becoming more and more acceptable and even better, more and more lucrative; Jamaica is changing its tune and wants to cash in on the green rush, too. And I dont blame them.
Jamaicas Cannabis Laws
If its always been your dream to move to Jamaica and grow a few plants for personal use, nows a good time to buy a plane ticket. In 2015, Jamaica decriminalized small amounts of cannabis (up to 2 ounces or 56.6 grams) so that possessors would not receive a hit to their criminal records. Also, growing up to five plants on any owned property is allowed, as well. In Jamaica, people who are Rastafarian (a religion founded in the 1930s in Jamaica) can legally use marijuana for religious purposes, and medical marijuana patients visiting Jamaica can apply for permits to buy cannabis while they are there with a doctors prescription. So far, medical marijuana is legal in Jamaica, but not recreational but the country is working on legalization as you read this.
The Jamaican Cannabis Licensing Authority
The Jamaican Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) is a division of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture, and Fisheries established under Jamaicas Dangerous Drug Amendment Act (DDA) in order to implement and regulate a legal ganja (as it is called in Jamaica) and hemp industry. The purpose of the CLA is to create a guide for developing the medical, therapeutic, and scientific aspects of marijuana and hemp. Back in 2015, Jamaicas National Security Minister stated that the government there did not plan to soften its stance on transnational drug trafficking or cultivation of illegal plots. Well, now small plots are no longer illegal, and the St. Lucia Times reported last week that the CLA intends to grant conditional licenses by the end of the year for growing, processing, and researching medical cannabis. Out of the 89 licenses expected to be granted, 25 are for cultivation, 18 are for processing, 14 are for research, and eight are for transporting. The final 32 licenses are all for the standard medical ganja retail dispensaries the world is familiar with.
What Happens After Conditional Marijuana Permits are Approved in Jamaica?
The background checks on the licensees is most likely happening right now, and Hyacinth Lightbourne, the Chairman of the CLA Board, noted that the CLA will be cooperating with the Financial Investigations Division, Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency, Ministry of National Security, and other organizations in order to make sure the license applicants are on the up-and-up. Lightbourne emphasized that this is an initial approval, not the actual licensure this is because the financial end of the applicants requirements may not work out. Once applicants get that initial okay, they must prove they have a right to cultivate on the land they own, and transportation operations must prove they ...
