Ganja &Jamaican prison?
 

We are going to Negril for the 1st time and have been told that you can be arrested for buying ganja---yet tourists are constantly hounded to buy it. We were told not to talk to locals because of this...What's the deal? Is it that serious of a problem?

Ganja, the poor man's Prozac in Jamaica, is everywhere on island, if still illegal. Should you partake, use the same discretion you would in the States. Yes, higglers and dreds will<BR>offer you ganja on the beach. However, being told not to talk to locals because of it is patently absurd and overly paranoid. And you will miss out on a major part of travel:local contact.<BR>This kind of talk is common among the AIs and walled resorts who'd rather keep your dollars. Unless you're flagrant about it/carry it in a car/or try to take it back home, you should have no problems whatsoever -- other than dealing with the potency.

<BR>First of all, you will not be 'hounded' to buy it. The fact that at someplace like Hedonism a local might offer it is considerably different than being hounded. I've been to Jamaica more than a dozen times and have never even been offered it.<BR>If you like it, enjoy it. Just remember, it's one local product you don't even want to think about trying to bring back home.<BR>Those little dogs at customs in Atlanta (and the other ports of entry) have very well-tuned noses.<BR>I have to admit, I love the screen name tivertonhouse. I imagine it is really the writer's name. <BR>I imagine that around Jamaica he goes by T. Iverton House. And the T. stands for Theodoric.<BR>Of course, I'm probably way off base and it's actually an address. But I like it nonetheless.

When we were in Jamaica for seven days, we lost count at about 125 times we were offered ganja (in Ocho Rios). We politely declined each time and many times ended up having a great conversation with a local. It was these conversations that helped make our trip memorable. <BR><BR>Even when you are asked, you are not bullied or harrassed about buying. Believe me, we had more of a hassle from those on the beach who wanted to braid my hair or sell us "14K" jewelry.<BR><BR>If you are in Jamaica, visiting with the locals is not to be missed. They are, for the most part, a great group of folks.

You will not be arrested if you are cool about it. We have always purchased ganja from the taxi drivers. Dont take any back with you to the states and bring your own papers from the states.<BR>Buy the big rolling papers for your spliff. For some reason they can spot the people who love the "gummy ting".<BR>Good luck and enjoy the best ganja in the world. Go to the pickled parrott and the red snapper!

Dont talk to the locals! It's half the reason I go! But you will be approached many times (you may get offered aloe rubs, hair braiding, ganja, cocaine, fresh pinapple or free look at jeweelry etc). If you aren't interested say so- not maybe later, I have no money on me, etc. They have an amazing knack for faces and will remember You! A polite no, I dont smoke and a fist to fist "handshake" and a "respect" and you are good to go!<BR><BR>They often ask where you are staying. They want to size up how rich you are. If you are staying at Sandals or another costly place pick another place you pass on the beach - (some place inexpensive!) and say you are staying there. But becareful I have had them say oh, do you know .....<BR>I don't want to lie but last time we spludged and when asked they were extra persistant.<BR>There is a great first timers guide for Negril on Jamaicans.com. Really really helpful!! <BR>Negril is wonderful and the people are great but they are trying to feed there families and make a living. <BR>If purchasing ganja is of interest to you often there will be someone at your hotel (or very close) will supply.<BR>I have never heard of someone getting arrested for using ganja at their own hotel).<BR>Another good website negril.com<BR>It is a bit censored but many people can answer your questions there.

Dear Jam-man:Sum etymology fi yuh.<BR>During the floods of '78, whole hillsides came down from mts to sea. One torrent of water deposited a 20 lb. rectangle of marble with the words<BR>'Tiverton' carved into it on the doorstep of one of my early houses on the South Coast. No evidence of any old great house, cemetary or family by that name in area. Did the duppies do it == who knows? But the name's been trademarked ours ever since

New to Carib travel...<BR><BR>Is this the case in many of the larger tourist areas in the Caribbean? We are planning to travel to either St Martin or Barbados. We don't "partake" but we sure are curious...

Tivertonhouse,<BR><BR>Thanks for sharing that background. You do know I wasn't making fun, just having a laugh.<BR>Best to you.

Always appreciate smart 'jokifying',jam-man/lol -- you should stay at one of our places the next time you down...

Curious:This situation is particular to Jamaica. On other islands, it's far less common, far more circumspect and on both the islands you mention, a more shady element would be encountered. Essentially then, no worries on either STM or Barbados -- go enjoy .

just returned from a stay at the Ritz. We did not encounter anyone offering ganja, but we had a taxi driver from the hotel take us to find some. We ended up with way more than we needed for the five days we were there, and it was the best i have seen in 20 years....<BR><BR>Knowing we couldn't take any home, our "problem" became how to smoke what we had in the time we had. I have never rolled bigger "fatties", and we spent much of our time with big grins on our faces. <BR><BR>Oh...the one problem we did have was with the smell of the unsmoked ganja. It is so overwhelming that we kept it in the room safe, and even then could smell it. <BR><BR>enjoy, but just be discreet.

dave,<BR><BR>you lucky dog.....best ganja in jamaica!<BR>yes, it really does reek. We have always met friends on the island to give our un-smoked ganja to.

Cayman420,<BR><BR>Were you high on grass when you sat on that broken chair and tore up your finger? You didn't share that information when you told your story of an uncaring management at Treasure Island.

how nice of you to remember. No, wasnt high in grand cayman, it's not looked upon the same way as it is in Jamaica.<BR>Thanks for asking, that really would have been a nice solution to a terrible hotel and property.

They seem to know who to target. I was never approached but my husband was several times. Other couples at the resort agreed they tend to target the male. <BR><BR>A polite no thanks was all that was ever needed to get rid of them. There's plenty who will take them up on the offer so they don't waste a lot of time on those who don't partake.

Tivertonhouse, <BR><BR>I must say I've been following this board for a while now and your responses have always been very well informed and useful. I really don't have much to say otherwise, just wanted to give you props on your good work. Unfortunately,I haven't managed to make my way down to Jamaica yet..I guess I just enjoy the culture...anyways, big up and keep up the good work!!! (sorry to sound like a 3rd grade teacher)

My husband and I stayed at Sandals Negril last Feb. Brother in law got married, 18 of us. By the 4th day, we had all "secretly" stockpilled our own stashes. We had so much by the end of the week, that we had to give it to the staff. <BR><BR>I have been to Jamaica 3 times, and while it has been offered each time, I never felt "pressured". This last time, we were hoping someone would offer again, and voila, there it was. Jamaican people are so laid back and nice. They may walk by you on the beach and quietly say "gonja" and keep going. If you show an interest, they will persue it. If you don't, you are left alone.<BR><BR>As they all say, No problem Mon!

DON'T TALK TO THE LOCALS!!!!!!!!!!!!<BR>Why even go there?<BR>The locals are great!!!!!!<BR>Their smiles are warm and welcoming,and they have a song on their lips at all times, IF WE WOULD ONLY !!!<BR>Yes ganja, amoung other items are always hustled, hey it's their way of life. They need to make a living also. It's cool, take it in stride....don't hide...<BR>ENJOY!!!! If you don't want anything just say "MAYBE TOMORROW" and you'll be on your way. Just remember by buying from them helps their economy, and we all want to keep going back there!! IRE!!

Ohhh, this is one of the best threads I've seen on this board!<BR>Can we all go lime somewhere and have a group hug over a big spliff?<BR>I recommend a three or four day party from Shirley Heights on Antigua to Bomba's on Tortola to Foxy's on Jost Van Dyke to Sunday School on Tobago to Sunshine's on Nevis.<BR>One love y'all! :)

I'd like to take a moment here to thank tivertonhouse for his posts. I don't visit here much but when I do I know I can count on him for no B.S. ......Good Info!!! The Real Deal!!

Not positive but I think Tivertonhouse is a woman!<BR>

So Jamaica is the only island to buy/smoke ganja with relative safety ?

I was curious if anyone knows about obtaining ganja in Antigua?? I leave for my honeymoon this thursday and wouldn't mind toking and laying on the beach. :)

Smoke is available, but token up on the beach would be unwise unless you are alone.<BR>Use discretion as it is illegal.<BR>

You CAN be arrested for buying ganja, but chances are good that you won't be. I can't believe you were advised not to talk to the locals. What kind of advice is that? Negril is more of a hippie town than MoBay or Ocho Rios. Just be smart about it. I'd rather be around that than a bunch of drunks anyday. Legalize it! Bob Marley once said to a reporter "Who are you to tell God it aint legal?"

Canadian-Russian male here, iriemon...