The Bahamas is on the cusp of a significant policy change as Prime Minister Phillip Davis announced support for a series of bills aimed at legalizing cannabis for medical and religious purposes. This move, set to transform the nation’s approach to cannabis, also includes measures to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of cannabis.
Regulating Cannabis for Health and Safety
Addressing Parliament, Davis emphasized the need for regulation to ensure the health and safety of Bahamians. He highlighted that other nations in the region, such as Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, and Barbados, have already taken steps toward cannabis decriminalization and legalization for medical use. Bahamians, according to Davis, have been waiting for a similar progressive approach.
“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. “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.”
Decade-Long National Dialogue
The national dialogue on cannabis has been ongoing for nearly a decade. Significant progress was marked by the Marijuana Commission’s preliminary report in January 2020 and its final report in August 2021, which indicated widespread public support for the legalization of cannabis for medical purposes.
Davis pointed out that the proposed reforms would not only address the medical needs of the population but also aim to expunge criminal records for those previously burdened with possession charges for small amounts of cannabis.
Recognizing Religious Freedom
In addition to medical use, the proposed legislation seeks to recognize the rights of Rastafarians to use cannabis as a sacrament. “It should not be against the law for our brothers and sisters of the Rastafarian faith to practice their religion,” Davis added, underscoring the importance of religious freedom.
Economic Opportunities
The economic potential of a regulated cannabis industry is significant. Davis discussed how the industry could create thousands of jobs in agriculture, manufacturing, retail, dispensary facilities, and healthcare, contributing to economic diversification.
The proposed Cannabis Bill (2024) aims to authorize the production, research, possession, and use of cannabis for medical and religious purposes. It seeks to establish quality controls, reduce illegal cannabis activities, control access to protect public health, and raise awareness about the health risks associated with cannabis use.
The Bahamas Cannabis Authority
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. This authority will be responsible for issuing 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. This provision is designed to ensure that the economic benefits of the burgeoning cannabis industry remain within the local economy.
Involving Bahamians in the Cannabis Industry
Davis stressed the importance of involving Bahamians in the cannabis industry, both in terms of ownership and research and development. “We must ensure that the benefits of this new industry are maximized for the local economy,” he said.
Conclusion
The Bahamas is taking a bold step towards modernizing its cannabis laws, with a focus on medical and religious use, economic benefits, and public health. This landmark legislation is set to transform the country’s approach to cannabis, aligning it with regional trends and addressing the needs of its citizens.
