Jamaica to install cannabis kiosks in its airports

In an effort to capitalize on the legal cannabis industry, Jamaican lawmakers are working to provide a easier access to cannabis for tourists, as soon as they set foot on the island.

A significant number of the island’s tourists already visit there to sample the local flavors, and we’re definitely talking about the’Bob Marley's favorite herb.

For this reason, the Cannabis Licensing Authority (the Jamaican authority that regulates licenses for the cannabis market) is developing plans to set up cannabis kiosks inside all airports and ports. These kiosks would primarily allow travelers to register for a license to legally consume cannabis during their stay, and could also dispense a few grams of weed before they even arrive at their hotel.

«This would primarily be for people who have a prescription and who use it for therapeutic purposes with a permit from the Ministry of Health. If they do not have a prescription, they can self-declare, which will allow them to possess up to 56 grams (2 ounces) during their stay,» said CLA President Hyacinth Lightbourne to the Jamaica Gleaner.

The Jamaica has decriminalized cannabis possession In early 2015, anyone in possession of less than 56 grams of marijuana faces, at most, a $5 fine rather than criminal prosecution. The passage of this law paved the way for the introduction of medical cannabis in Jamaica and allows residents to grow up to five plants for personal use. However, unlike most U.S. states that have legalized the medical use of cannabis, Jamaica allows tourists to obtain a temporary permit granting them access to the authorized 56 grams of marijuana during their visit.

Rather than forcing tourists to buy on the black market, given the inconveniences this can cause, the CLA prefers to give them the opportunity to satisfy all their cannabis needs as soon as they step off the plane or ship.

«Our goal is for there to be a kiosk you can go to as soon as you arrive at the airport,» said Lightbourne. «Anyone coming through immigration will be able to go there and register to get their permit.»

This new provision would generate a significant source of revenue for the government, comparable to figures from other parts of the world where cannabis is legal.

«In Colorado last year, even though it’s for both recreational and medical use, they sold nearly $1 billion worth of marijuana and collected $135 million in taxes for a state with a population of 5 million,» says Delano Severight, a member of the CLA. «The Canadian medical market alone generated $100 million, and their vision is that if they open it up, they’ll create a $5 billion industry. The United States spent 5.4 billion $ last year, and 6.7 this year. So you can see the potential this represents.».

The CLA intends to move forward quickly with this project to prevent the idea from being stifled by bureaucratic red tape.