Marijuana will no longer be illegal in Jamaica if the government is serious about their plans to decriminalize the drug.
For over a century ganja has been illegal in Jamaica but that will be a thing of the past. Jamaica’s Justice Minister, Mark Golding, says that the cabinet will change the law to allow up to 2 ounces (57 grams marijuana for personal use.
Jamaicans and tourist will also be allowed to possess marijuana for medical, scientific and religious use. Ganja possession is a petty offense in Jamaica and offenders are usually fined and carry a criminal record.
“I wish to stress that the proposed changes to the law are not intended to promote or give a stamp of approval to the use of ganja for recreational purposes,” Golding said. “The objective is to provide a more enlightened approach to dealing with possession of small quantities.”
The decriminalization of ganja in Jamaica is a major victory for the Rastafarian community who has been lobbying for years for the government to change the law.
The government hopes that the changes to the law will attract more tourist to the island.
