News Americas, New York, NY, Tues. July 16, 2024: Bahamas Prime Minister Phillip Davis has announced his support for a series of bills aimed at legalizing cannabis for medical and religious purposes while decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of cannabis.
Speaking in Parliament on Monday, July 15th, Davis emphasized the need to regulate the cultivation, sale, and use of cannabis to ensure the health and safety of Bahamians.
Davis acknowledged the long-standing call from Bahamians for decisive action on cannabis reform. He noted that many other countries in the region, including Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, and Barbados, have already moved towards decriminalization and medical legalization, leaving Bahamians wondering when their turn would come.
The national dialogue on cannabis has been ongoing for nearly a decade, with significant momentum gained when the Marijuana Commission began its work in October 2018. This effort culminated in a preliminary report in January 2020 and a final report in August 2021, which indicated widespread public support for medical cannabis legalization and decriminalization.
Prime Minister Davis outlined that the Commission’s recommendations included legalizing cannabis for medical use, decriminalizing small amounts, allowing its use as a religious sacrament for the Rastafarian community, and implementing strict regulations to ensure product quality and safety.
In his Progressive Liberal Party’s (PLP) “Blueprint for Change,” Davis committed to developing a comprehensive regulatory framework for the cannabis industry. This approach was informed by extensive research and consultation, including the CARICOM Regional Commission on Marijuana’s findings and the experiences of other jurisdictions like Jamaica, Barbados, and Canada.
The Prime Minister emphasized the government’s goal to create fair, balanced, and effective legislative and regulatory mechanisms. This includes economic and health benefits, promoting law and order, and maintaining stringent standards. Draft bills were released publicly, and extensive stakeholder consultations were held with healthcare providers, church leaders, legalization advocates, Rastafarian community leaders, and others concerned about legalization impacts.
Recent research, including a 2023 survey by Public Domain, showed that 61% of Bahamians support medical cannabis legalization, reinforcing the need for legal reform. Davis stressed that this legislative change could not be delayed, as many people have long awaited action to legally consume medical cannabis for conditions such as epilepsy, glaucoma, autoimmune diseases, chronic pain, anxiety, and depression.
The government is also addressing the criminal records of those who have been penalized for possessing small amounts of cannabis. The new legislation aims to expunge these records, recognizing the outdated approach of the War on Drugs era.
Davis reassured that the government supports lawful cannabis use while strictly regulating illegal activities. The reform also acknowledges the Rastafarian community’s right to use cannabis as a religious sacrament.
The Prime Minister highlighted the economic potential of the cannabis industry, which will create thousands of jobs in agriculture, manufacturing, retail, and healthcare. The legislation also ensures that Bahamian businesses have equitable access to opportunities within the industry.
The Cannabis Bill (2024) includes the establishment of The Bahamas Cannabis Authority, which will oversee the safe and efficient handling of cannabis. The Authority will issue licenses for various activities, including cultivation, retail, testing, manufacturing, research, transport, and religious use. Crucially, entities applying for cultivation, sale, or transport licenses must be 100% Bahamian-owned, while those applying for testing, manufacturing, or research licenses must be at least 30% Bahamian-owned.
Prime Minister Davis emphasized the importance of Bahamian ownership in the cannabis industry, ensuring that this new sector empowers local entrepreneurs and sets a standard for future industries in the Bahamas.
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