Is marijuana legal in the Bahamas
1. Recreational Use
- Illegal.
- It is illegal to possess cannabis for recreational purposes.
- Penalties include:
- Fines up to $120,000.
- Imprisonment up to 10 years (for simple possession).
- Up to 40 years and $750,000 fine (for intent to supply).
2. Medical and Religious Use
- Legalized (in principle, not yet implemented).
- Legislation was passed in 2024 to allow:
- Medical use (for prescribed patients).
- Religious use (mainly by Rastafarian communities).
- Scientific research.
3. Licensing & Regulation
- A Cannabis Authority was created to regulate:
- Cultivation.
- Manufacturing.
- Retail and export.
- Licensing rules:
- 100% Bahamian ownership required for retail and cultivation.
- At least 30% Bahamian ownership for processing and research.
4. Decriminalization
- Possession of less than 30 grams:
- No criminal record.
- $250 fine as a civil offense.
5. Implementation Status (2025)
- Not active yet.
- No funding allocated for the Cannabis Authority in the 2025/2026 budget.
- Medical and religious cannabis systems are not operational.
6. Public Sentiment
- Strong national support for medical cannabis reform.
- Reform efforts are aligned with wider Caribbean legalization trends.
Conclusion
- Recreational cannabis remains fully illegal.
- Medical and religious use is legal on paper but not yet functional.
- Visitors and residents should not use or carry cannabis until regulatory systems are in place.
