Rastafarian Community Not Happy About Cannabis Act, Says Chairman

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS –  It’s been weeks since Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Michael Darville said government intends to bring the full provisions of the Cannabis Act into force before the end of the year.

More than a year after cannabis legislation was debated and passed, members of a local Rastafarian community are still not satisfied.

The Cannabis Act was passed in July 2024. It legalizes medical and religious cannabis use and outlines six business license categories.

Most licenses are restricted to Bahamian citizens or majority Bahamian-owned companies, with fees ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.

Officials previously said license applications would open by mid-2025, but now expect them to be available before year’s end.

Chairman of the House of Rastafari Copeland Smith says despite there finally being a Cannabis Act, he believes they’re worse off now than they were before its passing.

“I will be honest. The people are not happy. Rastafari people are not happy with the current bill. There’s been some communication with a small sect in the Rastafarian community, but sufficient information has not been spread to the entire community. Everyone does not feel as if they are a part of this process. They don’t feel as if their voices have been heard. They don’t fully understand the bill that’s been presented, nor do they agree to the terms in the current bill that’s been presented.”

It’s not the first time the community has voiced objections to the legislation before.

And here’s why…

The law states that an organization in the faith, or a person responsible for a place of worship, may apply to the Cannabis Authority for a religious organization license to distribute to its members as a sacrament.

Smith says they haven’t been offered a seat at the table.

“From the Nyabinghi House, no, we have not been offered a seat. We have sent recommendations for who we would like to see sitting on that authority, and no, we have not gotten a just response. We have not gotten a response at all. I do think the government is putting their focus on the other mansion, but we do believe that they should be inclusive of all mansions.”

Smith also claims that while some in the capital have had better experiences with authorities, that’s not the case on the Family Islands.

“Here in the capital, some Rastafarians would say that most top brass have been respectful. But we have had reports on the islands, especially in Eleuthera and Grand Bahama, that they’re still being harassed, still being pulled over, still being arrested for small amounts and taken to court. So, you know, we’re looking for solutions for the entire Bahamas, not just Nassau.”