Jamaican Government Approves Ganja Law Amendment

[fawnridge]

Let's understand the new ganja law in Jamaica...

1. It's not legal, it's just been decriminalized. If a cop wants to hassle you, he can seize your stash and give you a $10 ticket.
2. You cannot smoke it in public unless you are a card-carrying Rastafarian.
3. The law dealing with where you can and cannot smoke tobacco holds the same for pot.
4. If you are a tourist with a medical marijuana card, you can legally buy medical marijuana in Jamaica. They will even give you a Jamaican medical marijuana card. But #2 and #3 still apply.
5. Of course, you can't bring it back with you.

Now, how much of this enforcing is going to go on? Less than before?

Wait, there never really was any enforcement against tourists. Status quo?

Smoke 'em if ya got 'em.

[negrilsand]

While I agree almost entirely with Rob and appreciate his enlightenment, it is a valid question to ask how the new amendments to the Act apply to visitors. At least two countries that have liberalized their drug possession laws, apply the laws differently to visitors than locals. Of course there is almost no chance that Jamaica would even consider doing that and,indeed, the new law has no such provisions. When new laws are enacted anywhere, there can be an initial "flurry" of enforcement just because law enforcement has a tendency to "try out" the new authority. I am pleased to hear that the fine is rather modest. I remember in years past that $10US was the on the spot "fine" for possession in the rare instance when a smoker was actually questioned by a constable. The most worthwhile effect of the new regulations is, as Rob pointed out, that police and courts will be free to better use their time handling serious matters. However, the proponents of the legislation have also touted the prospects of increased revenue from taxes and fees and the profit that Jamaicans will realize from the business development of medicinal and recreational ganja. The Jamaican government has also reassured other nations that they will not decrease their efforts to stop the illegal smuggling of ganja to other countries.In fact with the expected licensing of those that would be involved in ganja growing and distribution, primarily in the medicinal sector, there will be more control of ganja in Jamaica. It will be some time before full effects of the new laws will be realized. I am very happy! Now we can watch as the US capital, the District of Columbia, enacts their new ganja laws, much to the dismay of some congressman.

[Gman]

Do we know when the new laws take effect?

[Kuda]

Fawnridge , How/Where does someone apply to become a Card-Carrying Rastafarian?

[Muck]

If you would've told me 15-20 years ago that I would see legalization in my lifetime, I would've said you were crazy.

[BostonBob]

I agree Muck. Never did I think in my life would we see the changes to the laws in USA. It is democracy and the will of the people coming through.