Bahamas introduces bills to legalize marijuana for medical and religious purposes

Source: Associated Press

Bahamas introduces bills to legalize marijuana for medical and religious purposes

Updated 11:37 AM EDT, August 25, 2023

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — The government of the Bahamas has unveiled several bills aimed at legalizing marijuana for medical and religious purposes and decriminalizing possession of small amounts, joining other Caribbean nations that have taken similar steps.

If approved, those caught with less than 30 grams (one ounce) of marijuana would pay a $250 fine and the incident would not appear on their criminal record. Buying marijuana for recreational purposes would remain illegal.

Officials said licenses for cultivation, retail, transport and religious use would only be granted to companies that are entirely Bahamian owned. Licenses for research, testing and manufacturing would be awarded to companies that are at least 30% Bahamian owned.

Attorney General Ryan Pinder told reporters Thursday that marijuana for religious purposes could only be smoked on the premises of a licensed organization.

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Read more: https://apnews.com/article/bahamas-marijuana-legal-medical-religious-a81f67e4099074133d035a76c7cc5133