Is Cannabis / THC legal in Jamaica?

Legal status

Ganja ≤2 oz (~57 g) DECRIMINALIZED — J$500 fixed-penalty ticket, no arrest, no criminal record (NOT legalization; still technically an offence); >2 oz criminal

Consequences if caught

Possession of ≤2 oz (~57 g) of ganja is decriminalized — a J$500 fixed-penalty ticket with no arrest and no criminal record (this is NOT legalization; it remains technically an offence). Above 2 oz is criminal (arrest, prosecution, record); trafficking up to about 35 years. A Rastafari sacramental exemption lets adherents aged 18+ cultivate and smoke ganja for religious purposes at registered places of Rastafarian worship. Home cultivation is limited to ≤5 plants per household (not per person). TRAVELLER WARNINGS: (1) public smoking is prohibited everywhere, including beaches (J$500 ticket, actively enforced in tourist areas); (2) taking ganja OUT of the country is a serious criminal offence regardless of amount — the 2-ounce rule does NOT protect you at the airport.

If prescribed or medical

Visitors can obtain a temporary medical permit at licensed dispensaries (self-declared) to possess up to 2 oz during their stay.

Documentation

Visitors may obtain a temporary medical cannabis permit (self-declared) at licensed dispensaries to possess up to 2 oz during their stay. Public smoking is prohibited everywhere including beaches, and taking ganja out of the country is a serious criminal offence regardless of amount.

Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Jamaica’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.