The recently amended Dangerous Drugs Act commonly, referred to as The Ganja Law, will take effect this Wednesday.
According to the Justice Ministry, the law is expected to, among other things, reduce the number of cases before Resident Magistrate’s
Courts and acknowledge the constitutional rights of the Rastafari community, which uses ganja as a sacrament.
It will also facilitate the creation of a regulated legitimate medicinal and industrial marijuana industry.
Justice Minister Mark Golding said in a release that Jamaica is approaching the reforms in a responsible manner, and in keeping with international obligations.
There will be a public education campaign to discourage ganja use by adolescents, persons with mental disorders, pregnant women and other vulnerable groups.