Jamaica anticipates a marijuana rush as decriminalisation looms – but is it too late?

The prospect of growing ganja for medical purposes has triggered a wave of heady economic optimism, but it faces stiff competition
The Guardian (UK)
Monday, June 16, 2014

cannabis-cultivation-jamaica2Possession of a mere handful of marijuana has for decades clogged Jamaican courts with petty cases and distracted an undermanned police force from tackling the crime cartels pushing drugs and guns. The recently proposed decriminalisation of marijuana has been long anticipated and much unfulfilled. Fearing those big-stick-wielding neighbours, the United States, would crack Jamaica's backside, politicians have avoided pressing the reset button on a law that has proved unwieldy, expensive and downright stupid. (See also: No fall-out expected from decision on ganja)