Bahamas’ top officials have announced that marijuana will be legalized for religious, medical and research purposes. Decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana for personal use and expunging past convictions of simple possession will also take place.
The bills together would create a local framework to produce marijuana and, according the government, “ensure that the cannabis industry is well-regulated, controlled and safe.”
The proposed reforms were announced by Attorney General Ryan Pinder and Health and Wellness Minister Michael Darville during the weekly briefing of the Office of the PM on Thursday.
Pinder wants the bills to be in the Parliament by October.
He said that the goal was to have them debated by the end this year. “There is a lot to do to set up the authority,” the official explained. “Training, certifications, a digital platform to track prescriptions, and other things have to be completed before licenses can be issued.”
**Detailed Information:** Head to https://t.co/F5vLbSdg1d to explore the full compendium of legislation, presentation slides, final reports, and more.
— Office of The Premier Minister The Bahamas (@opmthebahamas August 24 2023
If the Bahamas passed this bill, doctors would be able recommend cannabis to treat specific conditions such as cancer, multiples sclerosis, and epilepsy.
Darville said that there are many Bahamians who suffer from illnesses such as cancers in their final stages, depressions of various types and post-traumatic stresses.
Rastafarians would be able to use cannabis for religious purposes, but they would have to apply for special licenses.
The policy reforms will not decriminalize marijuana in its entirety, but possession of up 30 grams would be subject to a fine of $250 instead of a criminal history. Previous convictions for simple marijuana possession will also be wiped clean.
The Cannabis Bill of 2020 is the central piece of legislation. The package also includes bills that deal with regulation, dangerous drug and health professions law changes, pharmacy changes, and more.
Licensees of the cannabis industry regulated by the Bahamas would have to be Bahamians and have at least 21-years-old. According to the license type, ownership groups must also include a certain percentage Bahamians. Cultivators would have to be owned by Bahamians 100 percent. For testing, manufacturing, and research licenses there would be a requirement of 30 percent Bahamian-owned companies.
Pinder stated that “we have a number licenses in place, as well as opportunities for Bahamians who are interested to participate. We look forward to seeing their participation.” “We believe that this will have a positive impact on the economy.”
The system will be supervised by the new Cannabis Authority of the government, consisting of nine members, each representing a “faith-based organization” and civil society. Also, one member from each of these fields: banking, law and agriculture, as well as scientific research, medicine, and pharmacy.
According to a government site, the “comprehensive frame work is not arbitrarily based; it’s grounded in research and the findings from the Caribbean Community Secretariat 2018 report on Cannabis.” The authors of the bills also studied cannabis regulations in Jamaica, Barbados and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as well as Canada. This ensures our legislation is aligned with international best practice and tailored to our unique legal and cultural context.
In 2018, the leaders of 19 Caribbean countries, including Bahamas Barbados Haiti Jamaica and others, , agreed to “review cannabis’ current status with a focus on reclassification,” , citing both “human and religion rights” issues arising from criminalization, as well as the “economic benefits” to be derived from a regulated sector.
Pinder stated at the Thursday press conference that the Ministry of Agriculture of India is also working on allowing cannabis cultivation in a parcel of land under its supervision.
He said that 25 acres of land in Nassau’s new agribusiness parks will be available for micro-cultivation. “It is obvious that there are more opportunities for agricultural land on the family islands. This is especially true on Andros, and Eleuthera.”
Pinder, the official, said that the next important step is to consult with the public.
The government has said that commenters can also submit feedback online via email, or online.
In a report released by the U.S. State Department in May, it was examined how marijuana laws in different countries affect religious freedom. The report found that in 2022, some countries would be more tolerant of religious groups like Rastafarians who use cannabis for ceremonial purposes. Spiritual leaders said they were encouraged by reforms to legalize and decriminalize pot.
Religious organizations in certain countries, such as Saint Lucia, have said that their government has actively engaged them regarding cannabis issues. While certain groups continue to fight against the prohibition of marijuana in other countries, a policy they claim violates their religious rights, in 2022 the trend was more positive for those who use marijuana as part spiritual tradition.
Study: Obscure Cannabis Components “Hold Therapeutic Potential” for Treating Skin Problems like Acne and Psoriasis
Photo by Philip Steffan.
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