A question about the Ganja - the laws - the enforcement

So, I think it is evident that you can pretty much get it anywhere without too much problem. I don't really want to get into a moral debate about the subject, as everyone has their own opinions.

While I was on my first visit, it was very open out on the beach in Negril. People were smoking it at the bars and walking down the beach, etc.

Is this the case elsewhere on the island?

I saw law enforcement twice while I was down there. Do they bother anyone over it? Do they treat tourists differently than the locals? I know that in other popular vacation areas such as Mexico, law enforcement will shake you down and try and get your cash from you.

Anyone shed some light on the matter?

You definitely don't want to be walking down the beach or in a night venue at the beach doing it in the open. Also be careful driving around with it. Anything on private property (above the high water line) or on the cliff side is probably ok. If you get busted, it will cost you $$$.

I've been a few times, and have never seen it widely done. Smelled it, yes. Seen it, no.

It is illegal and the laws are enforced. Exercise the same discretion you would at home. DO NOT travel with it, they do stop and check.

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Originally Posted by Flipadelphia26

So, I think it is evident that you can pretty much get it anywhere without too much problem. I don't really want to get into a moral debate about the subject, as everyone has their own opinions.

While I was on my first visit, it was very open out on the beach in Negril. People were smoking it at the bars and walking down the beach, etc.

Is this the case elsewhere on the island?

I saw law enforcement twice while I was down there. Do they bother anyone over it? Do they treat tourists differently than the locals? I know that in other popular vacation areas such as Mexico, law enforcement will shake you down and try and get your cash from you.

Anyone shed some light on the matter?

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First of all, you already know it is illegal and, yes you can get it most anywhere and, yes you can be arrested for using, possessing and trying to purchase it. The police sometimes look at a tourist as a "shakedown" target as you mentioned about Mexico.

I happen to live in a town (Accompong Town) where there is no law against ganja. Not to say that the Government of Jamaica does not have the ability to enforce one there but there are no police there to enforce it if they wanted to. The police do occasionally drive through town but they don't get out of their vehicles unless they have business there.

I am going on 30 years this year of traveling to and living in Jamaica and I rarely if ever smoke it, I would NEVER transport it on my person or in a vehicle and I have witnessed several times people being busted for smoking and or transporting it.

It is you own personal decision as to how you would approach this while in Jamaica but be careful as things are not as open as they sometimes appear to be.

Peace and Guidance

Such laws are enforced somewhat sporadically and randomly, but with tourists they may be enforced as a way of enticing a payment of a 'fine' in lieu of being formally charged. Not worth the risk of facing that situation. Keep it out of highly public view and off the beach. In your hotel is fine.

It would really suck to be stuck in a foreign jail on vacation.

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Originally Posted by Accompong

First of all, you already know it is illegal and, yes you can get it most anywhere and, yes you can be arrested for using, possessing and trying to purchase it. The police sometimes look at a tourist as a "shakedown" target as you mentioned about Mexico.

I happen to live in a town (Accompong Town) where there is no law against ganja. Not to say that the Government of Jamaica does not have the ability to enforce one there but there are no police there to enforce it if they wanted to. The police do occasionally drive through town but they don't get out of their vehicles unless they have business there.

I am going on 30 years this year of traveling to and living in Jamaica and I rarely if ever smoke it, I would NEVER transport it on my person or in a vehicle and I have witnessed several times people being busted for smoking and or transporting it.

It is you own personal decision as to how you would approach this while in Jamaica but be careful as things are not as open as they sometimes appear to be.

Peace and Guidance

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By open,

I mean I saw several local higglers smoking on the beach. Locals were at bars on the beach smoking. I was just wondering.

Use caution as cops may ignore the locals but take action against the tourist standing next to them. The locals don't tend to have enough money to pay a "fine."

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By open,

I mean I saw several local higglers smoking on the beach. Locals were at bars on the beach smoking. I was just wondering.

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Again, I live in So. Florida and some people openly consume alcohol on the streets even though there is a law against doing that. The police see them and yet they don't bust them.... why? Well, part of the reason is that it will do no good anyways. They arrest them and that takes a lot of time and paperwork and not too long later they are doing the same thing again.

I think the same can be said of your higgler example. And, to add to the problem, some of them could easily be working undercover as that is often how a tourist gets busted or they work with a policeman "friend" who waits until you are comfortably enjoying your herb with your new-found-Rasta-friend and then swoops in for the kill.

As I said before. Things are not always as open as they seem.

Peace and Guidance

Got ya

Mr Twister
"It would really suck to be stuck in a foreign jail on vacation"


Yes it is...it immediately ceases to be a "Vacation".............

well if the smell of ganja or the site of it bothers you, then Jamaica isn't the place for you........
cause from time you land in Jamaica till you leave........
there always seems to be that sweet smell in da air.......lol
sometimes mi smell it as soon as I get up in da morning and walk out to the vervanda or balcony........
mi could be minding mi own business at one of dem live music thingys and dat sweet smell is in the air again.....
sometimes be walkie down da lane and nobody around and there that sweet smell again......
sometimes mi having a cold Red Stripe Beer and mi can smell it again..........
wonder why dat sweet smell is always around this guy......lol........respect

Cool Runnings, Marko

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Originally Posted by Marko

well if the smell of ganja or the site of it bothers you, then Jamaica isn't the place for you........
cause from time you land in Jamaica till you leave........
there always seems to be that sweet smell in da air.......lol
sometimes mi smell it as soon as I get up in da morning and walk out to the vervanda or balcony........
mi could be minding mi own business at one of dem live music thingys and dat sweet smell is in the air again.....
sometimes be walkie down da lane and nobody around and there that sweet smell again......
sometimes mi having a cold Red Stripe Beer and mi can smell it again..........
wonder why dat sweet smell is always around this guy......lol........respect

Cool Runnings, Marko

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lol. i just don't want to get in trouble mi self

Try to do it on private property, If you do it walking down da beach its risky be on the look out. The beach white shirt security would love to catch you. On most private places on the beach just ask security if you can light up a spliff, most will say Yeah Mon! Then they know your smoking and if they see pow-pow they tell you when to put it out. If at the bar ask your bartender if you light up a spliff. I was in car years ago in Mobay had the smell marko was talking rolling out Limo 2 pow-pow standing by the car never said word to us. Driva says its cool they loose da job if they mess with that car. So depends who your with also on your own be on private property and enjoy Negril.

I think the same can be said of your higgler example. And, to add to the problem, some of them could easily be working undercover as that is often how a tourist gets busted or they work with a policeman "friend" who waits until you are comfortably enjoying your herb with your new-found-Rasta-friend and then swoops in for the kill.

I know this is a fictional story your telling that has me winning the lotto before I would get set up by a Rasta friend for ganja smoke.

Peace and Guidance[/COLOR][/QUOTE]

I'll just stick to the Red Stripe, Dirty Bananas, & Rum Punch!

I read one time that if your going to smoke it on the beach do it in the water lol.

Be discreet and use common sense, why be stupid and ruin your vacation.

Gee, I guess everyone is in make believe land.Heres the truth from 13 time vet...Yes its everywhere,yes they smoke in the bars,as I have. I was on a boat to taxi from Bloody Bay,the guy had an Oz of weed hanging from the open boat.....The cops on a boat pulled up and he never even tried to hide it and they saw it and didnt care.............So I guess the cops dont know about the dozen drug dealers in front of Margaritaville daily???? Go to your hotel and just ask any bartender to get some for you.Dont be afraid to bargain the price.......

My first visit to Jamaica in 1997 we stayed in Little Bay but did a day trip to Negril.
We were at the craft market with one of the locals from Little Bay and he said "see that man in the white shirt"?
He said, "that is the fastest man on the beach". About two minutes later he was running down the beach to bust a tourist.
So if your going to smoke do it in private or else you will pay the consequences.
Use common sense like you would in your own country.

Don't believe the hype,Philly. Weed is like buying a soda in Jamaica.

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Originally Posted by Fred Stripe

Don't believe the hype,Philly. Weed is like buying a soda in Jamaica.

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Nah, it's not that hard.
I always crack up on my first morning beach walk, last reach within 2 minutes I had been approached at least 5 times.

As has been said several times, it is illegal, however enforcement is at the whim of the Police. I've seen Police walk by and either not care or not notice, on the other had, I have seen tourist arrested for smoking. Discretion is the operative word.

However, if you are busted, the good news is that the Negril Jail has a 24/7 bar on the property. Cash only, no credit!! They have a generator so they always have very cold beer, even when the current is out! :)

Enjoy,

VVHT

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Originally Posted by VVHT

As has been said several times, it is illegal, however enforcement is at the whim of the Police. I've seen Police walk by and either not care or not notice, on the other had, I have seen tourist arrested for smoking. Discretion is the operative word.

However, if you are busted, the good news is that the Negril Jail has a 24/7 bar on the property. Cash only, no credit!! They have a generator so they always have very cold beer, even when the current is out! :)

Enjoy,

VVHT

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Are you serious about the bar?

Yes, Flip, there is a Negril Jail Barl! 24/7 ice cold, just like VVHT said! :)

Yes....there really is a bar at the jail.....every single trip I say I am going there but I still haven't made it

Booger.....we are doing this for New Years!

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Originally Posted by marley9808

Yes....there really is a bar at the jail.....every single trip I say I am going there but I still haven't made it

Booger.....we are doing this for New Years!

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I'm in......... Can you do belly shots there?

now see?thats what im talking about! where else in the world?:D

Well, no problem mon. I am not worried about a thing!

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Originally Posted by booger

I'm in......... Can you do belly shots there?

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Only one way to find out.....

wait....that could get ugly

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Originally Posted by marley9808

Only one way to find out.....

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Working on my six pack now......

Hahahahahaha

Six pack, pishaw... I've got me a keg!

lol Ras....I love that!

I'm rocking the 18 pack now, but am bound and determined to get back to my girlish figure.

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Originally Posted by marley9808

Only one way to find out.....

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Y'all ain't right

"Dont do the Crime if you cant..........."Attachment 15657

actually the police have been very nice to me/us when we have had the chance to "bump"
over them.....