If you want get involved in the legal cannabis industry in Jamaica, make the process easier by having a solid business plan. Outline your business objectives, monetization strategy and offtake agreements for the products you are producing. For example, cultivators have a requirement to demonstrate to the Cannabis Licensing Authority that they have a buyer before the license is in hand.
The Cannabis Licensing Authority
To participate the legal cannabis industry in Jamaica, know that the Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) is the only organization that can issue cannabis licenses. The CLA is responsible for issuing licenses and regulating the cultivation, processing, retail, transportation, and research of legal ganja and hemp products. You need to go through the application process in the Dangerous Drugs (Cannabis Licensing) (Interim) Regulations to get the license. This can be a very difficult and time consuming process. Tacaya offers services that can help make this process more efficient and easy for you.
Check our Jamaica Cannabis Licensing page to start the process or you can also check out the CLA website. This will give you an idea of the types of licenses available, how to apply, and how the Authority operates. If you find yourself coming back to us as it relates to the business of cannabis, we understand why and can help.
It’s worth noting that you can apply for multiple licenses in Jamaica cannabis industry. For example, you might want a license to cultivate cannabis and another license retail the products.
Residency Requirement
There are residency requirements for all licenses. Individuals who want a license must be living in Jamaica for at least three years. Companies that apply for a license must register with the Companies Office of Jamaica and must be substantially owned and controlled by a Jamaican resident. All applicants and employees will need to undergo a thorough background check to ensure the team meet the requirements in the regulations. Trust cannot apply for a license. Those with criminal records will not be able either. Neither companies with directors with local or foreign criminal records unless the offense falls within a limited list of offenses and 10 years should have passed since completion of the sentence and the individual did not reoffend.
If you want to get a Retail License, you have three options: Herb House, Therapeutic Service, or Pharmacy/Dispensary. A Herb House License allows you to sell cannabis (up to two ounces), with the option of consumption on the premises or off. The Therapeutic Service Retailer License allows you to provide therapeutic or spa services using cannabis products. The Pharmacy/Dispensary License allows the sale of cannabis products for medical, scientific, and therapeutic purposes.
Ganja Events
Another exciting thing that the 2015 DDA made possible, was enshrining Rastafari sacramental rights into the regulation. Rastafarians who want to hold events at which cannabis will be consumed can apply to the Ministry of Justice for an exemption. Events such as Rastafari Rootzfest and Rebel Salute are examples of such events. This will allow attendees to possess cannabis at the event.
Keep in mind that the application process can be complex, so it’s best to be as prepared as possible and seek out proven professional services where required.
