Shenia Roberts
Journal Staff Writer
During a press conference following the recent opening of a training session for
Agri producers facilitated by the United States Department of Agriculture, Minister
of Agriculture and Marine Science Jomo Campbell gave the media an update on
the progress made since the marijuanna bill was passed.
The Marijuana Bill tabled this year 2024 came with revisions after some
consultation.
However, the new bills are aimed at legalizing marijuana for medical and
religious purposes as well decriminalizing possession of small amounts.
This means, those caught with less than 30 grams (one ounce) of
marijuana would pay a $250 fine as opposed to obtaining a record
however, buying marijuana for recreational purposes would remain illegal.
Officials say licenses for cultivation, retail, transport and religious use would
only be granted to companies that are entirely Bahamian owned, whereas
licenses for research, testing and manufacturing can be awarded to
companies that are at least 30% Bahamian owned.
When asked about the provisions being made for those who are granted licenses he
said “our unit is currently undergoing land allotting where we are looking to secure
approximately 25 acres for persons who have qualified”
He explained that the board of authority set to oversee the venture has already
begun to establish a connection stating that “I met yesterday with the minister of
health along with attorney general Ryan Pinder and we will be meeting in the very
near future to secure and tie off those efforts as it relates to the authority”.
Additionally, when asked by media professionals how long before Bahamians
would begin to see things develop into a lucrative industry, he explained that the
government is using this time to “address concerns and iron out wrinkles”
following some of the backlash they received from groups like the Christian
Council after the bill was debated. He further explained, “we want to take full
advantage of this time so that when we produce it to the Bahamian public it is the
best product it can possibly be”.

The minister was also asked about the Rastafarian Community which is one of the
groupings that had challenges with the legislation. He noted that he has not
personally had any correspondence with a representative from the community
since the bill passed however he believes they have been in contact with the
Attorney General’s Office and is expecting to hear an update on the matter
sometime this week.