Jamaica belongs to one of those few countries that many people connect with cannabis use. Why? Because of famous Reggae musicians of the 1970’s who came from Jamaica, such as Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff who smoked marijuana during their performances. By strengthening the popularity of cannabis throughout the world with their music they became icons for cannabis. However, they did not use it for recreational purposes but for their Rastafari religion.
Despite the strong cultural connection between Jamaica and cannabis, limited cannabis was only legalized in 2015.
Introduction of Cannabis to Jamaica
Jamaica has the best tropical climate to cultivate any type of plant. At first, sugar was mainly planted and grown by imported slaves from Africa. In 1838 when slavery became abolished, many of the sugar farm workers went to work on independent farms. As a result, the land owners began to bring in indentured workers from India and China to replace the slaves. During the mid-19th century these workers from India brought the cannabis herb or “ganja,” to the island. This attracted many of the poorer African inhabitants. They embraced it as a means to receive “religious enlightenment” paved the way for the African Enlightenment movements to spread, under the leadership of Marcus Garvey during the 1920’s.
Cannabis Laws
According to the current laws, cannabis is not completely legal. In April 2015, Jamaica’s Dangerous Drugs Amendment Act (aka Ganja Law) passed decriminalizing few amounts of cannabis if consumed for recreational use as well as medical, therapeutic or religious purposes. Jamaica became the first country explicitly declared cannabis being useful for religious purposes. If someone possess 2 ounces or more, it is considered a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of $5. In addition, each household is permitted to cultivate up to five cannabis plants.
In the beginning of 2020, 37,000 acres of land was still being used for illegal cannabis cultivation. Therefore, Cannabis Licensing Authority received the approval from the Cabinet of Jamaica to launch an Alternative Development Programme. For one year they will be able to assist those involved in the illicit market to encourage them to cultivate and sell cannabis legally.
A Religious Exception
Only a very small percentage of Jamaica’s population are affiliated with the Rastafarian religion. Coming into existence in 1930, Rastafarian is based on the belief consisting of a combination of the Bible and African beliefs. Black Messiah and Ethiopia are believed to be the promised land (association with its green, red and yellow flag color). Cannabis is perceived and used as a spiritual drug or “holy herb” to achieve enlightenment and strengthen the unity of the community by smoking through a peace pipe.
Under Jamaican law, consuming cannabis strictly for religious purposes and within a religious setting as a Rastafarian is protected. Moreover, Rastafarians are allowed to grow as many cannabis plants as they want and can take it anywhere with them but they are not permitted to sell.
Role of Cannabis Tourism
The law allow tourists with prescription from their home country to receive a permit allowing them to legally purchase at dispensary. Visiting an outdoor cannabis farm is another popular tourist activity because it shows so many different facettes of cannabis.
Since the definition of therapeutic in Jamaica is broad, compared to other countries, the restrictions of getting a doctor’s prescription are limited. An exam is not required making cannabis accessible to a wide variety. However, the drug trafficking laws are strict.
Future Plans
Jamaica plans to eliminate the illicit market by expanding the amount of cannabis licenses to over 150. In addition, they are looking to include secure possibilities to export cannabis. Opening more cannabis farms, stores and dispensaries is expected to boost Jamaica’s economy. With all this in mind, cannabis legalization for recreational purposes in Jamaica is indeed a future possibility.
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Check out some other relevant articles for more industry news:
Cannabis Around the World, Part I: Before the Common Era
Cannabis Around the World, Part II: The Common Era
Cannabis Around the World, Part III: Modern Cannabis Policies
