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Very few issues are more topical and heated than this, the issue of marijuana in Jamaica. Some will argue for its legalization, while others vehemently oppose it; each case for varying reasons. Otherwise called Ganja, Marijuana was brought to Jamaica in the late 1800's by the indentured East Indian labourers. They were brought here to work on the plantations after slavery was ended. Today, although it is illegal in the country, Marijuana's cultivation is still very much alive and well. In fact, from all indications, it is perhaps at an all time high. Every now and then we hear reports of "Kingfish", a special police unit, intercepting large shipments or destroying crops and seedlings. By the way, the Jamaican environment and climate is considered a perfect place for the plant to grow.
Now, contrary to popular belief, the use of marijuana in Jamaica is not unique to Rastafarians. Before Rastafari began, ganja was used by herbalists in Jamaica as a medicine in teas. It was also mixed with tobacco for smoking. Rastafarians considers Ganja the "wisdom weed" as its use helps one to gain wisdom. Rastafarians also use it as a part of a religious rite and as a means of getting closer to their inner spiritual self. Rastafarians also say it was found growing at the grave of King Solomon in the Bible. More on religions in Jamaica
Back in 2001, a government commission recommended that marijuana be legalized for personal use by adults -- A move, it was anticipated that the government would have endorsed despite opposition from the United States, which has spent millions to help eradicate the crop on the island. But today, we are still in limbo on that. So, How strict are laws relative to use of Ganja in Jamaica today? On a popular online forum, one of my fellow contributors asked the following question: "I know ganja is illegal there too but according to Wikipedia it's often unenforced. Is this true or not?". This was my answer: "You don't want to be caught with it. You are liable to be jailed. True, the police are a lot more lenient these days if you have a only a 'spliff', but I would suggest you not have them use their discretion. I guess police can't venture everywhere, every time, so you will have some room to really "light up". And by the way, the rastas, who are advocating it to be legal, do smoke it like crazy here! but they will not do it around the lawman. The rest of us don't really mind it." Another contributor wrote: "I was just in Jamaica in January...We didn't see too much law enforcement around anywhere. However, we were warned that if you do get nipped for purchasing or possessing marijuana then it won't be pretty. Imprisonment is the penalty for possession. Jamaica is probably the last place where I would want to spend time in jail. The Frommer's guide to Jamaica says that you don't want to experience first had Jamaica's penal system!" "People were not smoking all around us. We were approached a few times to purchase marijuana but it was subtle. Definitely no bus drivers pulling over to smoke a joint. But that may also depend on where you are going and where you are staying too. We stayed at the Sandals resort and they have a pretty big reputation to uphold." So again, the question, Do you personally think Marijuana should be legal in Jamaica? Share your views here! Make sure you don't miss these other informative pages about Jamaica.
Back to Top of marijuana in Jamaica. Should Marijuana be Legal in Jamaica!
What's YOUR take? What Other Visitors Have SaidClick below to see contributions from other visitors like yourself...
Marijuana should definitely be legal in Jamaica
Marijuana should be legalized
Yes, Marijuana should be Legal
Jamaica and Canada should both legalize marijuana
Legalize It
The Good and Bad of Marijuana
Marijuana in Jamaica: It will be legal
Marijuana in Jamaica: It Should be Legal Worldwide
Marijuana in Jamaica: Legalize It!
Don't Legalise Marijuana In Jamaica!
Yes, Legalize Marijuana Everwhere
marijuana should be legal everywhere
Legalize weed
YES, Marijuana should be legalized ALL OVER THE WORLD
Legalize Marijuana in Jamaica
Of Course, Marijuana should be legalized!!!
Not rated yet
Yes marijuana should be legal
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Why Not Legalized Marijuana?
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Marijuana legalization in Jamaica
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Ganja should be legal everywhere
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Marijuana should be legal
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Technically, Ganja is already legalized
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hell yeah
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legal ganja
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& Legal in America Too!
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Check it out!
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Legalise it
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