Smoking page code:
Please see below for easy reference and for your complete understanding of Jamaica’s laws governing the use of marijuana/ganja or tobacco.
It is a criminal offense to be in possession of more than 2 oz. of ganja. Offenders can be arrested, charged, tried in court and if found guilty sentenced to either a fine or imprisonment or both. This will result in a criminal record.
Tourists or visitors to Jamaica who reside overseas may apply for a permit which is issued by Jamaica’s Ministry of Health, where a fee is payable to allow them to lawfully purchase and possess up to 2oz of ganja at a time, for either medical or therapeutic purposes. To obtain this permit, visitors will need to produce evidence that their use of ganja has been either recommended or prescribed by a licensed Medical Practitioner, in the country where they live.
There is a comprehensive ban on tobacco and cigarette smoking in indoor public places, indoor work places and public transport. ln addition to this, the law also prohibits the smoking in several outdoor places and within 5 meters of entrances, exits, windows and ventilation intakes of a public place, workplace or public transport. A person who smokes in public cannot be arrested or detained. However, the Police may issue a ticket to that person, who will have up to 30 days to pay J$500 at any tax office. For this reason, we have designed special designated tobacco/cigarette areas for you to enjoy this product.
It is an offense to fail to pay a ticket that has been issued for either smoking in public or for possession of 2oz or less of ganja. The offender will be required to attend the Petty Sessions Court and may be ordered to do Community Service. Where Community Service cannot be arranged, there will be a fine of J$2,000.00. ln addition to the above, it is important to note that smoking of ganja will be legally permitted in places that are licensed for the smoking of ganja for either medical or therapeutic purposes. Adherents of the Rastafarian faith will also be permitted to smoke ganja for sacramental purposes in locations REGISTERED, as places of Rastafarian worship. The Sunset Beach Resort, Spa & Waterpark is not licensed in any way for the smoking of ganja, nor is it registered as a place of Rastafarian worship. No smoking of Ganja or Marijuana is permitted anywhere on the property.
