THE GOVERNMENT OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMAS IS EMBARKING ON AN EXCITING JOURNEY TO ESTABLISH AND REGULATE THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY IN OUR NATION.

WE INVITE YOU TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR FORWARD-THINKING FRAMEWORK THAT AIMS TO AUTHORIZE THE LEGAL USE AND CONSUMPTION OF CANNABIS FOR MEDICAL, SCIENTIFIC, AND RELIGIOUS PURPOSES.

Marijuana cannabis leaves. Top view.

Our Vision

A Safer, Healthier, and Inclusive Bahamas

At the heart of this legislation is our vision for a safer and healthier Bahamas. Our goal is to protect the health of the public while providing access to cannabis for those who truly need it – medical patients, scientific researchers, and members of the Rastafarian faith. We have carefully considered evidence, drawn from global advancements, to ensure a progressive approach that benefits our citizens.

The Path We've Taken

Informed by Research and Regional Best Practices

Our comprehensive framework is not arbitrary; It’s rooted in research and the findings of the Caribbean Community Secretariat’s 2018 report on cannabis.

We have studied how our peers in Jamaica, Barbados, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Canada have successfully regulated cannabis. This ensures that our legislation is in line with international best practices and tailored to our unique cultural and legal context.

In the university science lab, researchers are analyzing studies on cannabis plants and performing chemical experiments on medicinal cannabis leaves.

Stay Informed

Empowering you with knowledge

We understand that informed citizens are empowered citizens. On this page, you’ll find detailed information about the proposed legislation, the different types of licences, eligibility requirements, and safeguards against misuse.

Get to know your rights.
scientist checking on organic cannabis hemp plants in a weed greenhouse. Concept of legalization herbal for alternative medicine with CBD oil, commercial Pharmaceptical medicine business industry

Relief for Bahamians

For millennia, cannabis has been employed in the treatment of various illnesses, and contemporary research is affirming its shift from a stigmatized substance to a respected option for well-being.
 
Numerous individuals in The Bahamas grappling with conditions including chronic pain, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, Sickle Cell Disease, chemotherapy-induced nausea & vomiting, and Rheumatoid Arthritis will have the opportunity to access the therapeutic advantages of cannabis through prescriptions provided by medical professionals.
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Safeguards

The Cannabis Bill, 2023 (Clause 4) addresses the issue of controlling public access to cannabis by implementing various measures to ensure responsible usage. These measures include quality assurance protocols, robust monitoring systems, and increased public awareness of potential risks associated with cannabis consumption.

Some examples of these measures are:

  • Establishing a maximum permissible THC concentration in a single dose
  • Requiring training for medical practitioners who can prescribe cannabis
  • Limiting cannabis dispensation to only those qualified professionals
  • Allowing Rastafarian leaders to distribute cannabis solely as a sacrament during religious ceremonies

 

Part VII of the bill outlines several offenses related to cannabis, such as unlawful possession, production, and smoking in public places.

Regarding the issuance of licenses for cannabis use, it will be overseen by the Cannabis Authority, a board-managed corporation.

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Protecting Rights and Freedoms

The Rastafarian Faith

We acknowledge the cultural significance of the Rastafarian faith and respect the religious rights of its members.

We have drawn lessons from cases in other Caribbean jurisdictions to ensure that the religious use of cannabis is protected, while also preventing any potential abuse.

The Cannabis Authority

The Cannabis Authority will develop policies, procedures and guidelines to establish and regulate cannabis for medical, scientific and religious use in The Bahamas.
 
Its board will consist of nine members, including the Chief Medical Officer or their appointee. Additionally, the Minister of Health will appoint individuals representing diverse sectors, including a faith-based organization, civil society, and one person each from the fields of banking, law, agriculture, scientific research, pharmacy, and medicine.
Close-up Of A Person's Hand Stamping With Approved Stamp On Text Approved Document At Desk,  Contract Form Paper
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Licensing

There will be a range of licenses available to cater to different aspects of the cannabis industry.

These licenses encompass various segments of the cannabis sector, allowing businesses and organizations to operate legally and responsibly within their designated areas.

CULTIVATION LICENSE

RETAIL LICENSE

ANALYTICAL TESTING LICENSE

MANUFACTURING LICENSE

RESEARCH LICENSE

TRANSPORT LICENSE

RELIGIOUS USE LICENSE

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Requirements

Who qualifies for a license?

Individuals:

  • Must be citizens of The Bahamas
  • Must be at least 21 years old

Entities:

  • To apply for a cultivation, retail, transport, or religious use license, the entity must be 100% Bahamian-owned.
  • For an analytical testing, manufacturing, or research license, the entity must have at least 30% Bahamian ownership.
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Together We Shape
The Future

Join the Conversation!

Your involvement is vital in shaping the future of cannabis regulation in The Bahamas.

We encourage you to participate in our public consultations, engage with us on social media, and stay informed through regular updates on this page.

Or email us at medicalcannabis@bahamas.gov.bs