Kingston, Jamaica: Members of the Jamaican Parliament gave final approval last week to legislation amending the nation’s marijuana policies.
The newly approved measure modifies the island’s Dangerous Drugs Act so that the possession of up to two ounces of cannabis by an adult is reclassified as a non-criminal offense. Violators of the new law will receive a ticket and be mandated to pay a fine, but will not face criminal penalties. Public use of the substance will remain prohibited.
Separate provisions included within the law provide for the establishment of regulations allowing for the licensed production of cannabis for both therapeutic and industrial purposes. Additional provisions codify legal protections for those who use the plant for sacramental purposes.
Jamaican law had long defined cannabis use as a criminal act, despite the plant’s popularity among both natives and tourists.
For more information, please contact Allen St. Pierre, NORML Executive Director, at (202) 483-5500, or Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director, at: paul@norml.org.