Canna-Tourism in Jamaica: All You Wanted to Know

Contents
The History of Cannabis in Jamaica
What are the Cannabis Laws in Jamaica?
What to Do When You Get to Jamaica
What Cannabis Products are Available at Dispensaries?
Famous ‘Herb Houses’ in Jamaica

Jamaica is one of the smallest countries in the world in terms of size but has had a significant impact on the global cannabis scene. No matter where you are, if you’re interested in marijuana, you may have come across the name of the country in a conversation. So, is Jamaican weed good?

Are there outdoor cannabis seeds available for sale? What laws affect its consumption in the country? Are visitors allowed to smoke? These are all commonly asked questions. This guide provides the information you need if you wish to travel to Jamaica for a canna experience.

The History of Cannabis in Jamaica
Jamaica is an iconic nation whose culture is closely associated with marijuana for most people. The Rastafarian movement is widely considered to have been built around canna. Here are a few notable facts about weed in Jamaica:

Pot was first grown in Jamaica in the mid-19th century. It’s believed that Indian laborers were the first to transport seeds to the country, where they worked as plantation assistants and indentured servants. In fact, the famous term “ganja” comes from the Indian equivalent of hemp resin in Hindi.

Hemp spread across the country and gained popularity among the native population. Soon, it was a popular recreational drug among the working class. Unfortunately, the merry-making did not last long as it was banned under the new Ganja law of 1913.

The legislation did not stop the production, leading to the Rastafarian movement seven years later. This movement considers hemp a sacred herb for meditation and a deeper connection with the deity.

What are the Cannabis Laws in Jamaica?

Before you embark on a tour, ensure that you’re acquainted with Jamaica’s cannabis laws so that you don’t find yourself on the wrong side of the law. Until recently, it was illegal to be found in possession of any amount of grass. It was considered a dangerous drug and restricted from recreational use.

However, the law changed with the Dangerous Drug Act of 2015, decriminalizing the cultivation of the plant and its products. This rule effectively made Jamaica one of the best weed-friendly countries. While decriminalization is a bold and positive step, it does not mean that you can smoke ganja wherever you want in Jamaica.

Carrying up to two ounces of marijuana per person is not criminal. However, you may be fined up to $3.33 (or 500 Jamaican dollars). Even so, remember that carrying significant amounts of the product is still illegal. Besides, the law also prevents minors from possessing the drug. On the other hand, marijuana is fully legalized for medical purposes. Since its legalization, several Jamaican dispensaries have been serving health-related hemp products. Jamaica is also the first country to allow weed consumption for religious purposes.

Sometimes referred to locally as the God Plant, hemp is considered a sacred herb by the followers of Rastafarianism. The legalization effectively enables them to practice their faith peacefully.

According to the law, you cannot publicly smoke or carry large amounts of dope. However, you are allowed to consume it in your private residence or a licensed dispensary. Therefore, if you wish to taste ganja, you will need to look for accommodation where smoking is allowed.

What to Do When You Get to Jamaica

Before you pack your belongings and visit the land of the Rastafarians, here is how to get weed in Jamaica. You can only buy marijuana in medical dispensaries as a traveler. Due to law enforcement across the country, these are also the best places to smoke it. Before you leave for the country, check your passport as you will need to use it to buy some cannabis.

You’ll also need medical clearance to buy weed in the country. Fortunately, the process of obtaining it is fast and stress-free. Many dispensaries process it within a few minutes. You can also get a card at the airport when you get into the country at the cost of only $10. If you possess a U.S. cannabis medical card, please carry it into the country. The Jamaican government recognizes the cards in the country, and visitors are not required to register for Jamaican ones.

In addition, consider carrying cash to the dispensaries as many do not have card and mobile money processing facilities. You can easily change your cash for the local currency at forex bureaus located at the airport and across all major towns.

What Cannabis Products Are Available at Dispensaries?

Most dispensaries sell a wide variety of weed products throughout the country. You can sample various flower varieties and edibles such as chocolate, cakes, and gummies, infused tinctures, and CBD oil. Some big hotels in the country have private lounges where customers can smoke their marijuana in private. You may ask your booking agent for this service.

Famous ‘Herb Houses’ in Jamaica

So, is Jamaican weed good, and where can I find it? Several dispensaries have established their brands around the country. This does not mean that others sell low-quality products. However, these are some of the best you will find in the country.

Kaya Herb House
Kaya is one of the two dispensaries to get the first license to sell marijuana products in 2018. Its first outlet was located in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, before it spread to the rest of the country. Today, the brand has branches in Falmouth and Kingston too. It is an excellent option for tourists that arrive on cruise ships or who visit the capital city.

Epican
Epican is known for using technology to sell, package, and dispense marijuana products. It has its facilities in Kingston at Epican Taps Lounge. Here you can smoke in peace as you enjoy Jamaican delicacies or cocktails. It’s the best weed dispensary in Jamaica for tourists who wish to smoke regularly throughout their vacation.

There are several strains of hemp in Jamaica, with many cultivated there. The climate in the island nation is also ideal for the growth and maturity of hemp plants. Use this guide to enjoy Jamaican ganja the next time you visit the country.

Jennifer Gallagher

Jennifer Gallagher, an experienced cannabis grower at SeedSupreme Seedbank. During a 7-year career in the marijuana growing business, Jennifer has gained a high competence in this field. As far as weed is concerned, she knows it all inside out. Jennifer is an expert in pot-growing, as well as cannabis types and their effects. She’s also familiar with all legislation nuances.
LinkedIn

RELATED: Spice Booked For Toronto LGBTQ Festival

RELATED: Sizzla and Foota Hype Condemn SPICE’S SUPPORT FOR LGBTQ

RELATED: Queen Ifrica Talks About Predators in Jamaica, LGBTQ in Reggae, Kartel, Crime ETC – Video