Getting High in Jamaica
Sitting on the beach I hear
a Rastafarian-looking man yelling out as he’s walking past us. “Parasailing!
Sign up for Parasailing!” As he yells this, he has his hand up to his mouth
with his fingers pressed together as if holding a joint. He makes that
well-known hand gesture and taps his fingers to his lips as he looks at me.
Then, pointing to me, “You want to go parasailing ‘mon?”
When in Rome, do as the Roman’s
do. I believe in this philosophy when
traveling. I like to try new foods,
experience local culture and off-the-beaten-path places and hidden gems. I like
to shop the local stores and get away from the touristy areas too. But what
about smoking Ganja in Jamaica?
On a recent visit to an
all-inclusive resort in Negril I had several opportunities to buy and smoke
pot. My boyfriend and I were presented with subtle and not-so- subtle solicitations.
We took our 90 minute transfer from the Montego Bay airport, and stopped at a
little roadside shop and grill. One of the passengers that rode with us went in
the back and smoked a joint with one of the locals. It was done in a secretive
fashion, but it was pretty clear to me what was going on.
I've had clients ask me about
the drug laws in Jamaica. There is a strong association with Jamaica and Marijuana.
A lot of American’s seem to believe the whole country is full of pot-smoking
Rastafarian’s who listen to Bob Marley and have dreadlocks. And, it seems that a lot of people believe that
smoking pot is perfectly legal in Jamaica, which is not true.
So what are the laws in
Jamaica? Well, that is probably changing as early as next month, according to a
statement released by the government in June, which says they will likely decriminalize
pot for quantities up to 2 ounces.
In the meantime, however, keep
in mind that with current Jamaican possession laws you can face imprisonment for “Parasailing”
on your next vacation.
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