“I and I” is the representation of One Love, which means that because we (I and I) are the same, we should love one another like we love our own self. Patois: I and I plant the corn. English: We plant the corn.
When we think Jamaica
When we think about Jamaica a lot comes to mind, the beauty of its beaches, Rastafari, dreadlocks and Ganja, Bob Marley.
But one thing that does not spring to mind is Jamaica having a weed shortage, that’s right, this little but green nation which has long been known for hills filled with ganja has a problem on its hands.
In recent months and especially last year, cannabis has been hard to come by, even tourists have been struggling to find it.
Things are getting so bad that the price of an average pound (Lb = 16 ounces) is costing around $9000 USD, when just a few years ago the same amount and quality would cost only $3000 USD.
Some have even said it’s somewhat of a cultural embarrassment being that Jamaica has long been famed for having vast amounts of it growing in the hills of the country.
Decriminalization didnt fix the problem
Even more so since 2015 when cannabis was decriminalized and locals were allowed to grow 5 plants each and carry up to two ounces for personal use.
Since the legal side of things have changed the locals have seen an increase of people using the herb that previously did not. Also, this year has seen an influx of tourists escaping draconian lockdown rules and heading the green paradise for let’s call it a relaxing holiday man.
But some of the local residents are not so pleased with the current climate of the legal weed industry which seems to be doing well for its self and they have very good reason to be.
Jamaican profit?
Most, if not all of the legal licenses for large business are owned and funded by foreigners, not Jamaicans, and although the law states that any company that derives income from cannabis on the island has to share 51% of its profits with a Jamaican partner.
But like all rules and regulations there are ways around this, loopholes to which I’m sure much slip through.
Police, still raid illegal farms cutting down good crops, adding pressure to the overall shortage, leaving people little to no option but to buy legally sold weed costing up to 10 times as much as weed bought on the street.
Would you say it’s fair that non-jamaican owned businesses can monopolize a crop of the people who have already come from a history of slavery?
It very much looks like Jamaicans are now in a modern-day version of economic, colonial slavery fighting for the right to have a slice of the pie they so desperately need and deserve, one that has had deep roots embedded in its culture and religion for 100s of years.
