Despite popular belief, marijuana is not legal in the Island nation of Jamaica. That does not mean that marijuana is not grown and smoked there however. The island still has a rich marijuana culture and history.
Unfortunately there is still a market for black market for ganja on the island, which has attracted violent drug traffickers. Last October an arrest was made for 3,200 pounds of marijuana, $200,000, 10 weapons and five vehicles were apprehended from these bud runners of the Caribbean. The marijuana was being important into Orlando by sea.
A similar arrest was made today of a truck driver attempting to cross the Arizona border from Mexico with 3,300 pounds of marijuana in the back of the truck. Still quite small as compared with the Lazarat arrest in Albania, but another stark example the black market is still alive and well in the US and across the world.
Black Market has a Better Supply
Even with these arrests, the tide of marijuana cultivation, transportation, and subsequent use is far from stemmed. In many areas where medical marijuana and recreational marijuana are legal, companies are still being out competed by the black market in terms of price and sometimes quality.
In Oregon the main problem appears to be supply for the dispensaries. Many dispensary owners are having trouble keeping their shelves stocked with product, but some customers still say that they will be sticking with their old dealer. There is of course the option of a personal grow room.
Jamaica to Decriminalize
Back in the Caribbean, Jamaica’s government is going forward with a policy that will decriminalize possession of marijuana. It seems that they have come around to accept that prohibition of the substance is too costly. With any luck Jamaica will legalize marijuana, and start importing Green House Seed Co. seeds from Amsterdam and vice versa, a fully legal marijuana trade.
A bill was drafted this week that will allow medical marijuana farming for medicinal and industrial purposes. By allowing the use of industrial hemp as well, the country hopes to see a Renaissance of marijuana culture. Hemp ropes, soaps, cooking oils, lotions and hundreds of other products will be made with this plant. Move over corn.
In Jamaica carrying up to two ounces of marijuana is a petty offense. This is very similar to the Philidelphia decriminalization that makes it a $25 fine to be carrying up to 30 grams, or $100 for smoking in public. Everywhere you look marijuana laws are changing.
