Bahamas Aims To Legalize Cannabis For Medical and Religious Use

News Americas, New York, NY, Tues. July 16, 2024: Is Marijuana Legal in The Bahamas?

Bahamas PM Phillip Davis supports bills to legalize medical and religious cannabis use and decriminalize small-scale possession.

In Parliament on July 15th, Davis stressed the importance of regulating cannabis cultivation, sales, and use for the health and safety of Bahamians.

Davis acknowledged the long-standing call from Bahamians for decisive action on cannabis reform. He noted that many other countries in the region, including Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, and Barbados, have already moved towards decriminalization and medical legalization, leaving Bahamians wondering when their turn would come.

The national dialogue in The Bahamas on cannabis has been ongoing for nearly a decade, with significant momentum gained when the Marijuana Commission began its work in October 2018. The effort culminated in a preliminary report in January 2020 and a final report in August 2021. These reports indicated widespread public support for legalizing medical cannabis and decriminalizing its use.

Prime Minister Davis outlined the Commission’s recommendations:

Legalize cannabis for medical use.

Decriminalize small amounts.

Allow its use as a religious sacrament for the Rastafarian community.

Implement strict regulations for product quality and safety.

In his Progressive Liberal Party’s (PLP) “Blueprint for Change,” Davis committed to developing a comprehensive regulatory framework for the cannabis industry. This approach was informed by extensive research and consultation, including the CARICOM Regional Commission on Marijuana’s findings and the experiences of other jurisdictions like Jamaica, Barbados, and Canada.

The Prime Minister emphasized the government’s goal to create fair, balanced, and effective legislative and regulatory mechanisms. This includes economic and health benefits, promoting law and order, and maintaining stringent standards. The government released draft bills publicly and conducted extensive stakeholder consultations with healthcare providers, church leaders, legalization advocates, Rastafarian community leaders, and other concerned parties about the impacts of legalization.

Recent research, including a 2023 survey by Public Domain, showed that 61% of Bahamians support medical cannabis legalization. This reinforces the need for legal reform. Davis stressed that this legislative change could not be delayed. Many people have long awaited action to legally consume medical cannabis for conditions such as epilepsy, glaucoma, autoimmune diseases, chronic pain, anxiety, and depression.

The Bahamas government is also addressing the criminal records of individuals penalized for possessing small amounts of marijuana. The new legislation aims to expunge these records, recognizing the outdated approach of the War on Drugs era.

Davis reassured that the government supports lawful cannabis use while strictly regulating illegal activities. The reform also acknowledges the Rastafarian community’s right to use cannabis as a religious sacrament.

The Prime Minister highlighted the economic potential of the cannabis industry, which will create thousands of jobs in agriculture, manufacturing, retail, and healthcare. The legislation also ensures that Bahamian businesses have equitable access to opportunities within the industry.

The Cannabis Bill (2024) includes the establishment of The Bahamas Cannabis Authority. This authority will oversee the safe and efficient handling of marijuana. It will issue licenses for various activities, including cultivation, retail, testing, manufacturing, research, transport, and religious use. Crucially, entities must be 100% Bahamian-owned to apply for cultivation, sale, or transport licenses. Those applying for testing, manufacturing, or research licenses must be at least 30% Bahamian-owned.

Prime Minister Davis emphasized the importance of Bahamian ownership in the cannabis industry. He aims to ensure that this new sector empowers local entrepreneurs. This sets a standard for future industries in the Bahamas.