Jamaica’s lower
House gave approval Tuesday night to legislation that would decriminalize cannabis possession and cultivation, and legalize cannabis for medical, scientific and therapeutic purposes.
The measure has already been approved by the full Senate, meaning it will now head to Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, who is supportive of the measure and is expected to quickly sign it into law.
Jamaica’s Senate 
has given approval to legislation that would decriminalize cannabis possession, and legalize it for medical, scientific and therapeutic purposes.
Under the proposed law, which now heads to the nation’s House of Representatives, the possession of up to two ounces of cannabis would no longer be an arrestable, criminal offense, but instead would become a simple ticket. The proposal would also establish a cannabis licensing authority to establish regulations for the cultivation, production and distribution of cannabis for medical, scientific and religious purposes.
A proposal to decriminalize the possession
of up to two ounces of cannabis for all adults, and to legalize the medical and religious use of cannabis, will be before the Senate on Friday. The measure, which was approved by the nation’s Cabinet earlier this week, will be approved quickly in the Senate, according to United Press International.
The proposal would decriminalize the possession of up to two ounces of cannabis, making it a ticketable, not an arrestable offense, and would establish a cannabis licensing authority to establish regulations for the cultivation, production and distribution of cannabis for medical, scientific and religious purposes.
Read moreJamaica’s Senate to Approve Measure Decriminalizing Cannabis, Legalizing Medical Cannabis
Jamaica’s
Cabinet has given official approval to a comprehensive proposal that would decriminalize the possession of small amounts of cannabis while also legalizing medical cannabis and establishing a medical cannabis industry, according to Justice Minister Mark Golding. The proposal is expected to be before the Senate by the end of the week.
According to Golding, the proposal would establish a “cannabis licensing authority” to deal with the various regulations required to cultivate, produce and distribute cannabis for medical, scientific and religious purposes. The measure would also remove criminal penalties for the possession of up to two ounces of cannabis, making it a simple ticket rather than an arrestable offense.