August 6 marks the 55th anniversary of Jamaica breaking free from the United Kingdom’s colonial rule. To honor the occasion, we are proud to bring you MERRY JANE Presents Jamaica Week. All week leading up to Jamaican Independence Day, MERRY JANE is celebrating the Jamaican people and the many great things that the island has given to the world — from music, dance, and food, to the Rastafarian religion, cannabis culture, and good vibes.
Watch the video above to see Former MP Raymond Pryce explain the historical reasons for strict marijuana laws in Jamaica, dating back to British Colonial economic preference of opium over ganja.
Pryce’s fight for a shift in marijuana laws has prevented unnecessary arrests, freeing the courts to pursue more significant criminal matters. The amendment also expunged charges that unfairly saddled young, poor Jamaicans with a criminal record.
Check out part two of our MERRY JANE’s conversation with Pryce.
