Who Can Smoke Ganja Under Jamaica’s New Marijuana Law

  Filed under: All Things Jamaican
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Under new marijuana laws in Jamaica, you can relax and smoke a “spliff” in a private setting on the Island. This amendment is welcomed in resort towns such as Negril, MoBay and Ocho Rios where visitors can experience an entrenched culture, made prominent by the legendary Bob Marley.

marijuana-leaf-composite

However, if you decide to indulge in marijuana, do so responsibly.

You should know:

  • What decriminalization of marijuana means?
  • How much is legal to have?
  • Who can smoke marijuana or ganja?

What Decriminalization Means

The term decriminalization is unclear for many. Here are broad descriptions of the new law:

  • With amendments to the Dangerous Drugs Act, marijuana is now decriminalized. This means, it is no longer a criminal offense to have up to two ounces (56g) of ganja in your possession and will not result in a criminal record. The new law took effect April 2015.
  • Possession of up to two ounces of marijuana, however, must be authorized. If not, it constitutes a petty offense that may result in a ticket. The fine is approximately US $5 or JA $500.

How Much is Legal to Have?

You are allowed up to two ounces of ganja if you fit one or more of these criteria:

  • Visitor who is prescribed medical marijuana
  • Rastafarian for use as a sacrament for religious purposes
  • Medical researcher
  • Scientist

Who can Smoke Weed?

  • Adults – for personal consumption in a private setting. Note that smoking publicly is prohibited; a “private setting” is emphasized, however “private” has not been specifically or officially defined.
  • Rastafarians
  • Persons for medical and therapeutic purposes

SAVE THE DATE: Cannabis Cup, Negril—November 2016

HIGH TIMES 2015 Jamaican Cannabis Cup made history recently on the island. Negril hosted its first Cannabis Cup competition in November 2015 in celebration of new marijuana laws. Organizers – Rastafari Rootzfest – joined forces with HIGH TIMES Cannabis Cup, amidst overwhelming support from visitors and locals. The local cannabis community is set to celebrate again in November 2016 on a date to be announced.

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  Comments: 2

  1. It is nice to see a country passing intelligent laws for the good of all people. In our country we have people that pass laws that enable people to practice discrimination and hate of others.

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  2. I plan on visiting negril in april 2019. I am going solo. Black female that has been practicing being a rasta. I live in memphis, tn not afraid to go alone. Material things mean nothing to me. Memphis has one of the highest crime rates. My first time visiting this country and I’m looking forward to it even tho I’m reading a lot of bad things. Looking forward to the people, food and great mediation

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