Jamaica poised to relax cannabis laws

Several restrictions on 'ganja' use could go up in smoke as island’s politicians back bill to establish licensing authority
The Guardian (UK)
Thursday, January 22, 2015

The cabinet has approved a bill that would decriminalise possession of small amounts of cannabis and pave the way for a legal medical marijuana industry in Jamaica. Justice minister Mark Golding said he expected to introduce the legislation in the Senate. Debate could start this month in the country where "ganja" has long been culturally entrenched but illegal. The bill establishes a cannabis licensing authority to regulate cultivation, sale and distribution for medical, scientific and therapeutic purposes. (See: Statement by minister of Justice on the Dangerous Drugs (amendment) Bill)