Bahamas to legalize medical and religious cannabis use

Bahamas Prime Minister Phillip Davis announced on Monday his support for a series of bills aimed at legalizing cannabis for medical and religious purposes and decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of cannabis.

Addressing Parliament, Davis endorsed the measures designed to regulate the cultivation, sale, and use of marijuana and related products within the country’s borders, emphasizing the health and safety of Bahamians.

“For years, Bahamians have called for an administration to have the courage to step up and take this issue on in a decisive and responsible manner,” Davis stated. “While many other countries, including nations within our region like Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, and Barbados, have taken steps toward decriminalization and legalization for medical use, Bahamians were left wondering when it would be our turn to modernize our local approach to cannabis.”

Davis noted that national dialogue on this issue has been ongoing for nearly a decade, with significant progress marked by the Marijuana Commission’s preliminary report in January 2020 and its final report in August 2021. The Commission’s research indicated widespread public support for the legalization of cannabis for medical purposes.

“It was clear that the times had changed, and it was time for our laws to change as well,” Davis said. “Today, the wait is over. We are taking action on behalf of all of the people who simply wanted the ability to legally consume medical cannabis to help them with their medical conditions.”

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Davis highlighted that the government is acting to help those burdened with criminal records for carrying small amounts of cannabis, aiming to expunge these records and prevent future criminalization.

“Of course, as part of this reform process, we are also taking action to recognize the rights and freedoms of Rastafarians to use cannabis as a sacrament,” Davis added. “It should not be against the law for our brothers and sisters of the Rastafarian faith to practice their religion.”

Cannabis to bring economic benefits

He also discussed the economic potential of a regulated marijuana industry, which could create thousands of jobs in agriculture, manufacturing, retail, dispensary facilities, and healthcare, contributing significantly to economic diversification.

The proposed Cannabis Bill (2024) seeks to authorize the production, research, possession, and use of cannabis for medical and religious purposes, establish quality controls, reduce illegal cannabis activities, control access to protect public health, and raise awareness about the health risks associated with cannabis use.

A key component of the bill is the establishment of The Bahamas Cannabis Authority, which will oversee the safe and efficient manufacturing, production, storage, distribution, and sale of marijuana. The authority will issue licenses for various cannabis-related activities, including cultivation, retail, analytical testing, manufacturing, research, transport, and religious use.

The bill mandates Bahamian ownership for entities applying for licenses to cultivate, sell, or transport cannabis, ensuring 100% Bahamian ownership. For licenses related to analytical testing, manufacturing, or research, entities must be at least 30% Bahamian-owned.

Davis stressed the importance of involving Bahamians in the burgeoning cannabis industry, both in terms of ownership and research and development, to maximize the benefits for the local economy.

Related: Antigua moves to clear minor cannabis convictions