Recent developments in marijuana legislation both in the United States and internationally have marked significant changes in how cannabis is perceived and regulated. One of the most notable events occurred on November 1, 2022, when Jamaica implemented the Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction, and Regulation) Act 2022. This law, imposing mandatory minimum sentences of 15 years for possession of even a single cartridge, highlights the strict stance some countries still maintain regarding drug offenses. Travelers are advised to check with the Government of Jamaica to confirm the legality of their medications in Jamaica.
In contrast, the United States has seen a shift toward more lenient policies. President Biden, on October 6, 2022, announced a significant step in federal marijuana reform. He pardoned all prior federal offenses of simple possession of marijuana, a move signaling a departure from previous stringent federal policies. This statement, accessible in full on the White House website, outlines the administration’s approach to end the failed war on drugs.
Meanwhile, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) maintains specific guidelines on marijuana and cannabis-infused products. Under federal law, marijuana and certain cannabis-infused products, including some Cannabidiol (CBD) oil, remain illegal except for those containing no more than 0.3 percent THC or approved by the FDA. The TSA’s stance, detailed on their official website, reflects the ongoing complexity and evolving nature of cannabis laws in the U.S.
In the religious sector, groups seeking incorporated status in Jamaica are required to apply to the Companies Office of Jamaica, with a standard form and fee. This process is outlined in the 2022 Report on International Religious Freedom by the United States Department of State.
The federal status of marijuana in the U.S. continues to create a policy gap with states, as noted in a Congressional Research Service report. While the Department of Justice (DOJ) is barred from taking legal action against states for enforcing medical marijuana laws, the inconsistency between federal and state laws persists.
The public health implications of cannabis legalization are also a topic of ongoing research and debate. A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, available on PubMed, examines these concerns in the context of the increasing number of states legalizing medical and recreational marijuana.
In Texas, the Controlled Substances Act prohibits the possession and sale of cannabis, classifying it as a Schedule I substance. More information on this is available in the Texas Law Guide.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) provides a comprehensive Fact Sheet on Marijuana/Cannabis, detailing its forms, abuse methods, and legal status.
Lastly, the U.S. – Canada border policies regarding cannabis highlight the challenges in international travel and trade in the context of differing national cannabis laws. As detailed by the U.S. Embassy in Canada, Canadian citizens working in the legal cannabis industry in Canada may face admissibility issues when entering the U.S. for cannabis-related reasons.
