Jamaican farmers get a two-year route out of the shadows

Farmer Andre Montague from St James in Jamaica told the Jamaica Observer what it is like to work in constant fear of the police. At a meeting near Montego Bay, traditional cannabis growers were introduced to special permits offering a two-year transition into the legal system, with support promised by the authority. Cannabis Licensing Authority head Farrah Blake calls the programme effectively free, although there is a US$150 application fee; the usual licence charge of roughly US$2,500 is waived. Operating without a permit remains illegal.