Jamaica is to legalize Marijuana by year end as the government moves to capitalise on the booming marijuana trade internationally.
Science and Technology Minister Phillip Paulwell told the Cannabis Commercial and Medicinal Research Task Force (CCMRT) that ganja will be decriminalised this year.
Speaking with The Gleaner/ Power 106 News Centre this afternoon, the minister confirmed that ganja will be decriminalised this year in keeping with parliamentary approval.
Paulwell, late last year, had come out in full support of positive developments in ganja locally and internationally.
Paulwell had said “Jamaica will not be left behind” as interest and movements in ganja law reform and research and development grows rapidly.

In a release this afternoon, member of the CCMRT, Delano Seiveright, revealed that the CCMRT was preparing to launch the Ganja Future Growers and Producers Association next month.
The new group will, among other things, be mandated to represent the interests of stakeholders, primarily traditional ganja farmers, for a specified period. It will also lobby Government to establish regulations for the cultivation, agro processing and medicinal use of the herb and its by-products.
The ganja growers group is also expected to promote control, education and taxation for the regulated industry.

Feb. 6 is the birthday of legendary reggae singer and activist Bob Marley, and residents of his home country of Jamaica welcome fans from around the world to celebrate his life and work during Bob Marley Week in early February. Events vary from year to year, but in the past have included the Smile Jamaica concert, lectures, karoaoke contests, and more. It's a great time to visit the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston, or to pay respects at Marley's mausoleum in Ocho Rios.