Jamaica To Install Weed Vending Machines At Airports

Jamaica scheduled to install cannabis kiosks (vending machines) in airports

Instead of landing and having to ask strangers where “the plug” is, you’ll find it conveniently plugged into the wall nearby. The Jamaican government is looking over a proposal to install cannabis kiosks in Jamaican airports. Only one year ago, the Jamaican House of Representatives passed a law that made possession of 2 ounces of marijuana legal.

Now the proposal being looked over by the Cannabis Licensing Authority would allow a tourist to obtain 2 ounces from a kiosk before they even check into their hotel.

“The thought is that if you are coming out of the airport, there is a kiosk that you can go to. So basically whoever is coming out of immigration can go to that desk and register and get that clearance,” – Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) Chairman Hyacinth Lightbourne told the Jamaican publication The Gleaner.

CLA member Delano Seiveright claims these automated dispensers could mean a significant increase in the stream of revenue for the Jamaican government. The CLA points to Colorado and Canadian success with marijuana generated tax money as examples for the potential of the proposal.

“In Colorado last year, even though it is recreational and medicinal, they sold about usd$1 billion worth of marijuana and collected usd$135 million in taxes for the state alone with a population of five million plus,” said CLA member Delano Seiveright.

“The Canadian market for medical, due to their patient system, they earn usd$100 million from that alone, and their view is that if they open it up, then they will have a usd$5-billion industry and the U.S. overall is about usd$5.4 billion last year and usd$6.7 billion this year. So you can see the potential it presents.” Seiveright reported.

Chairman Lightbourne says that it is already known that tourists come to the country seeking the Jamaican grown ganja, and he believes the government and country may as well benefit from this attraction.

The government can gain control and be the one to regulate the distribution of marijuana with this proposal. So far the CLA appears to be on board with the proposal, and they claim it should take a few weeks to turn out an appropriate policy document.

The CLA is looking to move quickly on this to prevent any legal loopholes in the rising cannabis market.

Before going to one of these kiosks, you will need to stop at a desk and receive a permit allowing you to get your medical prescription transferred or if you’re just a tourist looking to indulge in one of the island’s finest attractions you’re still covered.

There will always be a medically trained attendant at the kiosks, so it’s a lot safer than getting weed that was made and distributed by nonprofessionals. Although the kiosks are mainly for patients who already have a prescription elsewhere, those looking to score without a prescription will be able to “self-declare.”

The CLA Chairman adds that self-declaring would allow tourists to carry 2 ounces legally during their stay in Jamaica. The move to allow tourists without a prescription to purchase up to 2 ounces drastically increases the potential for revenue flow. So if you’re planning a trip to the island soon, we recommend holding off ’til the installation of these kiosks so you can quickly enhance your island experience immediately after landing.