BY KEVIN SAWYER – The country of Jamaica has decided to try and take further advantage of tourist revenue by placing vending machines that dispense two ounce bags of marijuana at it’s airports and harbors. Last year, the Jamaican government made it legal for people to legally possess up to two ounces of pot at one time. However, the fine for having more is only about $4.
The Jamaican Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) is looking to put the vending machine proposal into play as soon as possible. So, if you plan on flying into Kingston anytime soon, you can pick up a quick two ounces of pot on your way to your hotel without having to hit the street to find a connection. The country hopes that the pot vending kiosks will take in billions of dollars every year.
The Jamaicans have taken their lead from the Canadians and the American state of Colorado. Both have successfully put marijuana programs in place that are generating some serious revenue for both places. The CLA has pointed out that Colorado sold over $1 billion in recreational and medicinal marijuana in 2015 and netted about $135 million for the state treasury. Canada takes in around $100 million every year.
When you hit the island nation, you can go up to a government operated desk at the airport or harbor to secure a permit that will allow you to carry around up to two ounces of pot while you are in the country. Jamaica knows that many foreigners come to Jamaica just to buy it’s its high grade pot so it figures it may as well try and cash in while the going is good.
The CLA hopes to complete all of the paperwork within the next week or so in an effort to get the machines placed in time for the summer tourist season. While the kiosks are technically there for people who have prescriptions for medicinal use, the Jamaican government states that people can just “self declare” and they will get a permit to buy and carry.
PHOTO CREDITS: The Associated Press / GreenRushDaily.com