KINGSTON, April 14, 2015 – The recently amended Dangerous Drugs Act commonly referred to as The Ganja Law which makes possession of two or less ounces of ganja a ticketable offence, will come into effect effect this Wednesday.
According to the Justice Ministry the law is expected to among other things reduce the number of cases before Resident Magistrate's Courts and acknowledge the constitutional rights of the Rastafari community which uses ganja as a sacrament.
It will also facilitate the creation of a regulated legitimate medicinal and industrial marijuana industry.
Justice Minister Mark Golding said in a release that Jamaica is approaching the reforms in a responsible manner, and in keeping with international obligations.
There will be a public education campaign to discourage ganja use by adolescents, persons with mental disorders, pregnant women and other vulnerable groups.
The House passed the Bill on Tuesday, February 24, 2015, following which it was signed into law two weeks ago by the Governor General.
The changes to the Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Act will make possession of two ounces or less of marijuana a non-arrestable, ticketable offence, that attracts no criminal record.
Where the person found in possession of a small quantity of ganja is a minor, or an adult who appears to be dependent on the substance, they are to be referred to the National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA) by the police officer issuing the ticket.
Additionally, the Bill prohibits the smoking of ganja in public places, and makes provisions for the granting of licences, permits and other authorisations to enable the establishment of a regulated industry for ganja for medical, scientific, and therapeutic uses.
It also provides for the creation of a Cannabis Licensing Authority, which will be responsible for developing the regulations governing the medical marijuana industry.
