The Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC), Jamaica’s Business Ministry, announce amendments to the Dangerous Drugs Interim Regulations. These reforms are designed to make Jamaica’s medicinal cannabis industry more inclusive, accessible and supportive of small and traditional cannabis farmers.
The changes directly address longstanding challenges that have prevented many local growers from participating fully in the regulated sector. To address these challenges, the amendments introduce two key pathways.
The Special Community Permit allows groups of small-scale farmers and growers from traditional cultivation communities to enter the regulated sector with simplified requirements and reduced costs. This initiative encourages collective growth and allows for communities to benefit directly from participation in the regulated medicinal cannabis industry.
The Cultivator’s Transitional Permit provides traditional farmers with a phased approach to full compliance. Rather than requiring immediate adherence to all regulatory standards, this permit allows growers to develop capacity, upgrade facilities, and meet licensing requirements over time, all while operating legally. This ensures a smooth transition from informal to formal cultivation and reduces financial and administrative pressures that have previously hindered participation. Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, welcomed the amendments, emphasizing their significance for national growth and Jamaican farmers: “These changes are about creating opportunities for Jamaicans, especially our traditional farmers whose families who have cultivated this crop for generations. We are removing barriers that previously excluded them from the regulated sector. Through these reforms, we are establishing clear, fair and achievable pathways into a regulated, compliant industry. This allows our farmers to build secure incomes, grow their businesses, and contribute to Jamaica’s prosperity. Empowered farmers build thriving communities and a more prosperous, resilient Jamaica, supported by the government’s sound economic management.”
The amendments also include key regulatory updates designed to enhance operational efficiency and market access. These include standardizing all licence durations to three years (3), establishing a six-foot (6 ft) fence requirement for cultivation sites, introducing identification cards for industry employees allowing ease of movement within the industry, authorizing licensed retailers to deliver cannabis products and expanding permissible business activities during licence extension periods. These reforms provide farmers with greater income stability, legal protection, and access to regulated markets. They also support communities and the wider Jamaican economy by promoting rural employment, investment, and stronger compliance, while integrating Jamaica’s cultural cannabis heritage into a modern, sustainable and globally competitive industry.
The CLA views these amendments as a pivotal step in ensuring the industry grows efficiently, inclusively and sustainably, particularly for small-scale and traditional farmers. Mrs. Farrah Blake, Chief Executive Officer of the CLA, described the amendment as timely, “These amendments create real opportunities for small and traditional farmers to operate legally and grow their businesses. The CLA has done considerable work to improve operational efficiencies to support the growth of the industry. Our move to an upgraded facility at 7 Haining Road, Kingston 5, allows the CLA to provide stronger guidance and closer support, helping farmers transition smoothly into compliance while strengthening the industry as a whole.”
As Jamaica continues to modernize its cannabis regulatory framework, the CLA and the MIIC remain committed to building an industry that benefits all stakeholders, uplifts rural communities, provides jobs and positions Jamaica for long-term economic growth.
For more information, please contact:
Cannabis Licensing Authority
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