THE US$100-million ganja deal between the Courtney Betty-led Timeless Herbal Care (THC) and Denver, Colorado-based O.penVAPE, the largest consumer cannabis brand, has been described as marking the "first time in history an international collaboration has been created to produce cannabis-infused products outside of the United States".

Publicist Marketwired said yesterday the partnership was projected to generate over US$100 million in revenue in the first 10 years of operation, using Jamaican ganja to develop medicinal products for the international market

As cannabis legalization continues to spread across the globe, a new type of traveling has been gaining momentum: cannabis travel destinations, where you can get in some much-needed rest and relaxation time without giving up your green. Cannabis-friendly booking places (such as Bud And Breakfast) have been popping up to provide everything you could possibly need for your cannabis-inclusive vacation, from picturesque views to rental hosts that supply you with the buds you need to supplement your stay.

History will be created in Negril, Westmoreland, between November 12 and 15 when Rastafari In Inity (RII), in association with the internationally known High Times Magazine, Rastafari Rootzfest, the inaugural ganja festival, in the resort town of Negril

"The feedback has been great both locally and internationally," said Ras Iyah V, CEO of RII and chairman of the Westmoreland Hemp and Ganja Farmers Association. "We have gotten all the requisite permits and we are now ready to create history. This will be the first legal ganja event to take place in Jamaica."

BMI View: In the wake of major new legislative reforms in Jamaica's ongoing fight against gang activity , including adopting some of the most liberal marijuana laws in the world, further progress in reducing violence will continue, but remain gradual. Elevated crime will weigh on investor sentiment, partially offsetting the effects of the country's improving economic outlook .

I used to think that as time passed life would get simpler. Last year the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and People's National Party (PNP), in a rare show of conjugal bliss, agreed to decriminalise cannabis by the "Dangerous Drug Amendment Act 2015" (DDA). This Act will complicate our lives yet simplify the lives of criminals and the unproductive. For 53 years JLP and PNP did not agree on things progressive, yet made common cause in sanitising an illegal drug. Issues related to growth, development and prosperity, on which party unity is crucial, have no traction with them, so why do they unite on ganja?

Due to the sensitive nature of the story, the correct name of the subject will not be disclosed. He, however, lives in eastern Jamaica, and is thus 'renamed' Mr East.

East has his own church, and for more than 40 years, he said, he has been smoking ganja (cannabis), and it seems like he's not going to stop anytime soon. He smokes ganja to help him meditate, he said, and to be creative.

"I do it to hold my meditation ... I can go and create something right now because I smoke this, it gives me that kind of vibes," he said, pointing with the little piece of 'spliff' in his hand. However, he said he would never preach smoking ganja from the pulpit.

Rastafari In Inity (RII) is proud to announce the historical partnership between Rastafari Rootzfest™ (RII) and High Times® to produce the first Ganja Festival in Negril, Jamaica, the “Capital of Casual” to be staged November 12-15, 2015.

The goal of this project is to produce a comprehensive, educational and well-organized Rastafari event that celebrates Rastafari ideology, livity and culture; tells the story of Rastafari struggle for the legalization of ganja; and celebrates the decriminalization of ganja in Jamaica. Rastafari Rootzfest™ is also conceptualized as an Annual Ganja Festival, Consumer Expo, Trade Show and Competition.

Justice Ministry's Historic Exemption Clears Path For Competition

Rastafari Rootzfest organizers and High Times magazine have jointly announced that Rastafari Rootzfest will host the High Times 2015 Jamaican World Cannabis Cup in Negril on November 12th through 15th 2015.

Rastafari Rootzfest is a comprehensive, educational and well-organized event that celebrates Rastafari ideology, livity and culture, that tells the story of the Rastafari struggle for the legalization of ganja and celebrates the decriminalization of ganja in Jamaica. Rastafari Rootzfest is the first ganja-exempt event since Jamaican government legally recognized Rastafari Sacramental and Religious rights earlier this year.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Eventually, the 2,500-gallon steamer that sits empty at a massive warehouse in Brown’s Town, Jamaica, will be pumping out spicy sauces infused with marijuana.

At least, that’s what Maurice Ellis is hoping.

The Jamaican business owner of Sun Spice Seasonings cannot help but grin as he admires the machinery he has already packed into his future seasoning factory. He imagines his will be a highly lucrative business in the coming years.

“It’s budding with excitement — pun intended,” he said, giggling. “I mean, there [are] huge opportunities now opening up.”

Local ganja growers, particularly small farmers, are being urged to enter the formal market to benefit from the decriminalising of the product rather than seeking to operate in the underground economy.

With ganja being illegal, growers had to operate in the shadows, knowing that they faced long prison sentences and stiff fines if caught.

But with the amendment of the Dangerous Drugs Act, which became law on April 15, 2015, paving the way for the legal introduction of medical marijuana, industrial hemp, and cannabis, the Government is warning that persons who have been profiting from the illicit ganja trade will soon be required to transition into the formal framework or face strong sanctions.