First Dispensary in Jamaica Opens Doors

[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]J[/dropcap]amaica is a country with a rich history of cannabis consumption for religious reasons, and it’s finally celebrating the opening of its first medical dispensary.

On March 10, a dispensary called Kaya Farms opened in Jamaica. The location is also home to other multi-purpose Kaya businesses, which includes sister companies Kaya Café, Kaya Herbhouse, Kaya Spa and Kaya Tours.

“It has been an arduous journey for all involved in making this dream a reality. We cannot forget the Indians who brought the plant, the Rastafarians that fought to advocate it, University of Technology, Government officials on both sides and corporate Jamaica that have all helped to steer this through the political landscape,” said chairman and Chief Ganja Officer, Balram Vaswani. “It is an exciting step for me and the country as we move forward to build an industry which I am sure that we be side by side the Canadians, British and the United States. I’m sure as Jamaican farmers we can compete internationally as ganja becomes a commodity.”

Jamaica legalized medical cannabis in 2015 and decriminalized cannabis to a petty offense. Medical cannabis is available only by the recommendation of a registered medical practitioner.

The country has begun embracing the option of legalizing cannabis as a way to improve its economic growth, one of the lowest in the developing world. Growing cannabis is legal in Jamaica, but fees for cultivation cost over $3,000. Smaller farmers who cannot afford the fees tend to grow illegally, but the government is trying to allow them a chance at legal crops with delaying payments and possible cost-sharing.

Jamaica is the largest Caribbean illegal cannabis supplier to the United States, according to the State Department.