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Marijuana in Jamaica...
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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.
| Should Marijuana be legal in JA? |
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
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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!
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Should Marijuana be Legal in Jamaica!
What's YOUR take?
There are several views. What if it is? What if not? Will it make any difference? How would Jamaica be impacted?
What Other Visitors Have Said
Click below to see contributions from other visitors like yourself...
Marijuana should definitely be legal in Jamaica
I think that 'the herb' should definitely be legal, taking in account that it is controlled by the people that use it and the community.
I am a Serbian-...
Marijuana should be legalized
Marijuana should be legalized in every country, simply because it is really no different than alcohol or any other legal substance.
Is there really ...
Yes, Marijuana should be Legal
because people look funny running around stoned
Jamaica and Canada should both legalize marijuana
I personally think that Jamaica and Canada should both legalize marijuana because it is a lot less harmful than most other drugs!
In Jamaica being such ...
Legalize It
Yeah. If something makes you happy why not do it? Its not gonna hurt anyone to just sit in your own place, mind your own business, and smoke your own spliff....
The Good and Bad of Marijuana
In my personal opinion I don't believe that marijuana should be legalized. Reason being it is not being used for the right purposes by those who use it....
Marijuana in Jamaica: It will be legal
Cannabis (marijuana) was never illegal in Jamaica until the twentieth century.
Spured on by the marijuana tax act of 1937 in the USA, if you consider ...
Marijuana in Jamaica: It Should be Legal Worldwide
I believe ganja should be legal worldwide. I really think that if the best weed in the world was, for example, in Ireland, then it would be legal.
But ...
Marijuana in Jamaica: Legalize It!
Herb is a thing the creator put here for our purpose. How can man criminalize something not created by him but by the creator?
It is natural..should ...
Don't Legalise Marijuana In Jamaica!
The use of marijuana in Jamaica is wide spread. From youths trying to be in on the in crowd, to Rastas who claim they use it for religious purposes....
Yes, Legalize Marijuana Everwhere
Marijuana should not only be legalized in Jamaica, but all over the world.
Marijuana is a non-harming drug. It’s a beautiful drug. Some argue it destroys ...
marijuana should be legal everywhere
life would be a real draaaaaaaag without the highs of this special little plant. In fact, for that matter, marijuana should be legal everywhere, not just ...
Legalize weed
Yes, I am just a student in the state of California but I believe that it should.
Not because of what the drug does to you but because of how well ...
YES, Marijuana should be legalized ALL OVER THE WORLD
If everyone became Rastafarian this world would be a much nicer place.
Legalize Marijuana in Jamaica
YES IT CURES EVERYTHING!
Of Course, Marijuana should be legalized!!!
Not rated yet
I never took drugs of any form in my life, marijuana included. But I think it should be legalized for personal use by adults.
It's not any more harmful ...
Yes marijuana should be legal
Not rated yet
Yes, Because marijuana is a tool used to do many things, its not just a drug like nicotine, which is legal, you can make rope out of it. Rope is a tool,...
Why Not Legalized Marijuana?
Not rated yet
Why Not Legalized Marijuana?
I don’t see why we cant smoke the olde joint every now and then.
I mean tobacco comes from a plant and so does pot. I ...
Marijuana legalization in Jamaica
Not rated yet
I believe that the Rastafarians should be able to smoke as they want.
They believe that it is should be a part of religion and every day life. They ...
Ganja should be legal everywhere
Not rated yet
It should be legal everywhere. If you own land you should be able to grow at least 20 plants for your own use.
Marijuana should be legal
Not rated yet
Marijuana should be legal because it is good for your mind body and soul.
It rocks to be stoned everyday and is such an awesome drug. I like doing ...
Technically, Ganja is already legalized
Not rated yet
At least in the states (I'm not sure about Jamaica or Canada) marijuana is legal. If you have a club card or other identification that says it's legal ...
hell yeah
Not rated yet
omg yes it should but omg i love it
legal ganja
Not rated yet
YES!!!!!! IT SHOULD BE LEGAL! IN THE US AND JAMAICA!
IF CANADA CAN HAVE POT SHOPS SO CAN WE!!
ITS THE GOVERNMENT THAT WONT LET ANYONE HAVE IT EXCEPT ...
& Legal in America Too!
Not rated yet
not just JAMAICA.
It should be legal WEED all over the states as well.
Check it out!
Not rated yet
I've never herd of weed getting people into car accident, but alcohols which is legal, does that. Thats crazy!
Weed lets you relax, be happy man whats ...
Legalise it
Not rated yet
YES!!! It reduce crime and provide income for the poor.
Think about all the great music that came from your country..... if wasn't for the wonderful ...
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