Jamaica, New Zealand And Isle Of Man Drive Cannabis And Drug Policy Changes

In a rapidly evolving landscape, Jamaica, New Zealand and the Isle of Man are at the forefront of significant drug policy changes, shaping the future of cannabis and substance regulations.

MMJ Licensing Surges In Jamaica

Jamaica's Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) has increased the number of medicinal cannabis licenses to 160. According to the Jamaican daily, The Gleaner, these licenses are divided into categories: 35 for tier-1 cultivators, 23 for tier-2 cultivators, 12 for tier-3 cultivators, 12 for tier-1 processing, two for tier-2 processing, and 63 for retail and herb houses. The CLA has also issued five research and development experimental licenses and eight transport licenses for moving cannabis products.

Industry Minister Senator Aubyn Hill stressed that the sector is poised for further expansion through legislative changes and amendments to regulations. He also mentioned upcoming regulations that will enable cannabis display at exhibitions. This news was shared during the CanEx Jamaica Business Conference, an annual gathering that brings together cannabis and psychedelics industry professionals from around the world.

See Also: Dozens Of Jamaican Children Hospitalized After Eating Cannabis Sweets, Police Searching For Vendor

Low-Dose CBD Access In New Zealand

Low-dose CBD products in New Zealand will soon be available without a prescription. However, their actual availability may take some time, reported Hemp Gazette. The New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority (Medsafe) reclassified these products, permitting registered pharmacists to supply approved low-dose CBD medicines to “patients aged 18 years and older under certain conditions.”

“Only CBD medicines approved under the Medicines Act 1981 will be available from a registered pharmacist,” noted Medsafe according to MJBiz Daily. These products must contain 150 milligrams of CBD or less per dose and no more than 4.5 grams of CBD per package. However, sales cannot commence until regulatory approval is granted in both New Zealand and Australia, and as of now, no approved low-dose CBD medicines are available in either country.

See Also: Global Cannabis Insights: A Snapshot Of Substance Trends And More

Harm Reduction Initiatives In The Isle of Man

A review on reducing the harms of illegal drugs in the Isle of Man, a self-governing British Crown Dependency, suggests various approaches, including regulating cannabis. The government-commissioned study, to be discussed in Tynwald next month, aims to minimize overall societal drug-related harm. It recommends reducing criminal penalties and deferring prosecution for drug offenses, reported BBC News.

The report suggests alternative measures like referring individuals to educational and therapeutic support services, emphasizing community support and non-punitive approaches, and allowing law enforcement to focus on more serious offenses, said Home Affairs Minister Jane Poole-Wilson. However, concerns about potential psychosis and the need for funding for drug treatment and support options have also been raised by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, the review's steering group Poole-Wilson concluded.

As these territories lead the way in drug policy, global attention is keenly focused. The ongoing debate over the DEA's potential cannabis reclassification and the broader global war on drugs stands on the precipice of change.

Read Next: DEA's 50-Year $1 Trillion Drug War: Why Were There 250K Marijuana Arrests In 2022?

Image by El Planteo