The Jamaican Cabinet has approved a bill that legalizes the possession of small amounts of marijuana, and has sent it to the Senate for approval as early as this weekend.  It’s great news for the country’s legendary Rastafarian community, which for decades has smoked Ganja for religious purposes despite prohibition.

“We need to position ourselves to take advantage of the significant economic opportunities offered by this emerging industry,” said Justice Minister Mark Golding.  He adds that the legislation also provides for a licensing authority to oversee the cultivation, sale and distribution of marijuana for medical and therapeutic purposes.  One thing Jamaicans wouldn’t be able to do is the smoke up in public places, that’d still be illegal.

Jamaica is trying to position itself as other countries liberalize their marijuana laws.  Although it’s still illegal in America, several local jurisdictions have wiped out old prohibitions and it’s legal in Colorado, which experienced a drop in the crime rate in its wake. 

Uruguay pretty much decriminalized marijuana last year, but is late in establishing legal marketplaces.  The move allowed people to grow their own, which resulted in falling prices for illegal weed – meaning that the drug gangs are taking in less money.  And THAT is what Jamaica is going for.