How to buy Marijuana in Jamaica Legally
7 min readHow to buy Marijuana in Jamaica Legally
If you are planning a trip to Jamaica, then you already know what to expect: frolicking on the sand, wading in the crystal-clear waters and soaking up some of the that Caribbean sun. But there is one other thing that might pique your interest. The marijuana!
Marijuana has been tied to Jamaica’s name through Reggae music and Rastafarianism for decades, so it is no surprise that people from all over the world visit Jamaica for this very purpose. If you are one of these people, then keep reading to find out how you can buy and enjoy marijuana in Jamaica legally.
But before we dive into that, let’s take a brief look at the history of marijuana and its legality in the country.
The History of Marijuana in Jamaica
Introduction
Having originated in Central Asia, cannabis was first introduced to the island in the late 1800s after the abolition of slavery by indentured laborers from India. Soon after, it was adopted by locals as a part of local folk medicine and was boiled in teas or mixed with tobacco and smoked. Local Rastafarians then began to use marijuana in religious practices and dubbed the herb “wisdom weed”. Since then, it has been incorporated in many of their rituals as a means of mediation and getting closer to Jah (God).
Attitudes
Owing to its tropical climate, marijuana was able to thrive in Jamaican soils and it grew wild in bushy areas. For that very reason, getting some marijuana was very easy and people could simply go into the bushes and pick it. Usage was gaining popularity amongst the worker-class in the society and the Evangelical Churches of Jamaica lobbied for legal action. In1913, the Ganga law was introduced which outlawed the cultivation, sale, and use of marijuana. Fields were burnt and persons found in possession of the substance were given exorbitant fines or jailed.
Movement Towards Legalization
Despite harsh punishments related to marijuana, the substance continued to gain popularity, especially through music and the spread of Rastafarianism. Bob Marley, a Jamaican-born international reggae sensation, became a proud advocate for marijuana in the country and he, along with many other popular artists such as Peter Tosh, Buju Banton, and Sean Paul pushedfor its legalization.
A national commission was held in 2000 and was spearheaded by the then dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of the West Indies, Professor Barry Chevannes to discuss the decriminalization of marijuana in Jamaica. Finally, in 2015 under the Dangerous Drugs act, legal reform was seen and possession of fewer than two ounces was allowed, as was the cultivation of up to five plants per household for personal use. Rastafarians were also permitted to smoke cannabis in their place of worship and members of the faith above 18 years old are allowed to grow more than five plants for religious purposes.
The rules regarding possession of marijuana for medicinal purposes are much different and persons who use it for this purpose will need a prescription. Persons are not allowed to smoke in public places, and the consumption of edibles is excluded.
Marijuana in Jamaica today
Jamaica has come a very long way from its strict Ganja Laws. Police rarely hassle persons for possession of minor amounts of marijuana and the substance can even be bought in a bar!
Not to say that buying weed from a bar is legal, but it only goes to show that marijuana laws in Jamaica today are less strict than they are in the United States. In fact, the law doesn’t really say much about visitors to the island with regards to marijuana.
Before it was even legalized, persons who came to the island could buy a fifty bag (a little less than a gram) right on the beach or from a Rasta man on the street. A blind eye was usually turned to tourists and they could pretty much do as they please.This still goes on but it will be our little secret.
Now that medicinal marijuana is legal in the country, persons are able to purchase weed from dispensaries. There are only a few and persons who wish to purchase it must bring a doctor’s note.
Visitors to the island are permitted to smoke marijuana once they have a prescription from a doctor. So, if you are coming from all the way in California with a signed medical recommendation letter from your doctor, you can pretty much blaze up once you get to your hotel!
Where to buy
Since the formal marijuana industry in Jamaica is fairly young, there aren’t many dispensaries around.
Let’s take a look at 4 dispensaries in Jamaica where you can buy weed legally:
Epican Jamaica
Located in Kingston, the capital city of Jamaica, Epican Jamaica can be regarded as a pioneer in Jamaica’s introduction to the international cannabis industry. Epican’s aim is to consistentlymass produce safe and high-quality cannabis products in a sustainable, environmentally conscious manner, all while bearing the local people in mind.
Some of their products include cannabis-infused topical creams, oils and balms, CBD oils and a variety of Sativa, Indica and Hybrid strains. They are open every day of the week except Sundays
Kaya Herb House
In 2018, the Kaya Herb House became the first medical cannabis brand to emerge from the Caribbean. Having received one of two of the original licenses granted by the Jamaican government, the Kaya Herb House opened its doors in Ocho Rios, St. Ann with sights set on the promotion of health and wellness tourism in Jamaica.
Not only can you buy marijuana legally at Kaya Herb House, but you can also schedule a tour which affords you the opportunity to see the Kaya Farms where their herbs are grown, the Kaya Café where you can enjoy various beverages and enjoy specialty Kaya Pizzas, and even Kaya smoking rooms where you can enjoy your purchase in peace.
In the event that you did not bring a doctor’s note, visitors can visit the Kaya doctor who is able to provide you with all the required documentation to purchase weed legally.
Island Strains Herb House
If you are in Montego Bay, you can purchase marijuana legally at the Island Strains Herb House. Located on Gloucester Avenue, more popularly known as “The Hip Strip”, patrons can enjoy their purchase while looking out at the Caribbean Sea from the deck, or while lounging in the smoker’s room.
The marijuana at Island Strains Herb House is 100% local from seed to sale so don’t expect to find this weed anywhere else in the world. The herb menu there is extensive and includes Sativa, Indica and Hybrid strains such as Lemon #1, Diesel, Blue Cheese, and Chronic Thunder.
And for the persons without a doctor’s recommendation, fret not. The on-site doctor will be happy to see you for a consultation so that you can enjoy all Island Strains has to offer.
Hotbox Bud and Breakfast
Unlike the other places that have been listed, Hotbox Bud and Breakfast is not a dispensary. It is a private beachside property which allows its guests to enjoy the natural beauty of the island while exposing them to the wonders of marijuana.
The Hotbox Bud and Breakfast is located in Ocho Rios, St. Ann and offers accommodations, tours, meals, and, as they put it themselves “of course, ganja”. They even offer a wedding package which includes a ‘green’ bouquet and a ganja wedding cake.
Some would argue that this is more convenient because they never have to leave where they are staying to enjoy some marijuana and they can interact with the people who grow it frequently. What do you think?
Free Weed
In the event that you are unable to get to one of the dispensaries, you have the option of mingling with locals and getting some of their homegrown produce. Locals are very friendly and can legally grow up to five plants at home, so don’t be surprised if you get an invite to “bun some weed”. This weed is for personal use and is not to be sold for recreational use.
While the buying and selling of recreational weed is illegal, you won’t get pressured for possessing some weed you got from your new Jamaican friends. And, if you do happen to pass the possession limit, the fine is less than 5USD, so you’ll be just fine.
Things to Note
While you may be jumping for joy that the rules regarding possession of marijuana are not as strict as in the United States, it is important to note that Jamaica is very serious about persons attempting to bring marijuana into the country or leave the country with it.
If caught, you will be arrested, hit with heavy fines and even face jail time. So, be sure to check your luggage properly before you leave the island in case a spliff “accidentally” fell into your suitcase. You wouldn’t want to be suspected of drug trafficking minutes before your flight leaves the island.
