Cannabis in Jamaica

Cannabis in Jamaica is illegal, but possession of small amounts was reduced to a petty offence in 2015.

[5][6] The laws were gradually tightened over time, with academics noting that the harsh 1941 and 1961 restrictions occurred during periods where the authorities feared unrest in the lower classes.

[7] While cannabis use had been customary in Jamaica for over a century, in the 1960s cannabis farmers began to take advantage of the growing demand in Europe and North America, leading to increased police enforcement, but also corruption of the security and political systems by the profits from international trafficking.

[8] In February 2015, Jamaica's legislature voted to amend the nation's cannabis laws:[9] In April 2015, Jamaica planted its first legal cannabis plant, at the University of the West Indies Mona campus.

[12] Heavy rains during the 2020 hurricane season, followed by a severe drought, an increase in consumption, and a decline in the number of retailers resulted in a marijuana shortage as of early 2021.