Despite wide public misconception marijuana has been very much illegal in Jamaica... until Tuesday. Jamaican lawmakers just decriminalized possession of up to two ounces of weed and will allow cultivation of up to five plants on one premises. Those caught with less than two Os will be charged with a petty offense that won't make a criminal record.
The new law also paves the way for medicinal marijuana. A "cannabis licensing authority" will be set up to regulate cultivation and distribution of marijuana for medical, scientific, and therapeutic purposes.
Rastafarians, the small religious group that likely made you believe marijuana is legal in Jamaica, will now be able to smoke weed for religious reasons.
"The passage of this legislation does not create a free-for-all in the growing, transporting, dealing or exporting of ganja," Peter Bunting, the island's national security minister, said. "The security forces will continue to rigorously enforce Jamaican law consistent with our international treaty obligations."
In other words, don't get too crazy. Weed wasn't legal before, and now it's just less illegal.
[via Mashable]
