The Bahamas makes moves to legalize Ganja use.

Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

#TheBahamas, September 9, 2023 – It is common knowledge that marijuana use throughout the Caribbean carries a significant amount of stigma and attracts strict laws, but The Bahamas is taking steps to legalize the naturally occurring herb for medicinal and religious uses as well as decriminalizing the possession of small amounts, with the unveiling of several bills.

It is important to note however, that recreational use of the substance will remain illegal.

Now regarding some details under the newly unveiled bills, if approved, those caught with less than 30 grams or one ounce of marijuana would meet a monetary obligation, having to pay a fine of $250, with the infringement being left off of their criminal record.

Furthermore, for the growing of the plant,  officials say licenses for its cultivation as well as for retail, transport and religious use will only be granted to companies completely Bahamian owned.

Additionally, research, testing and manufacturing licensing would be given to companies that are at least 30 percent Bahamian owned.

Highlighting that there will still be restrictions on the use of the substance, Attorney General Ryan Pinder revealed to reporters that for religious use, Ganja will only be allowed to be smoked on the grounds of licensed organizations.

Amid all of this, the Bahamian Government has a vision for the creation of a Cannabis Authority with the purpose of regulating the industry; and public hearings on the issue of its legal integration into society are set for September with the possibility of legislation being approved before 2024.

If this unfolds successfully, The Bahamas will join other Caribbean nations that have loosened their laws around Ganja such as Jamaica which decriminalized small amounts and Antigua and Barbuda which decriminalized its use for the general public.  Also, the US Virgin Islands followed suit recently authorizing its recreational and religious/sacramental use.