The Bahamas continues to prohibit recreational cannabis use, though recent legislative changes have begun reshaping how marijuana is treated under national law. While weed remains illegal for general possession and sale, small amounts have been decriminalized, and medical and religious cannabis use has been approved in principle but not yet fully implemented. This page explains the current marijuana laws in the Bahamas, including penalties for recreational use, the status of medical and religious exemptions, licensing plans, and how enforcement works in practice. For readers looking to compare the Bahamas with other jurisdictions, see our complete breakdown of cannabis regulations by location across U.S. states, major cities, and countries worldwide in the Cannabis Laws by Location guide.
Table of Contents
Is marijuana legal in the Bahamas
1. Recreational Use
- Illegal.
- It is illegal to possess cannabis for recreational purposes.
- Penalties include:
- Fines up to $120,000.
- Imprisonment up to 10 years (for simple possession).
- Up to 40 years and $750,000 fine (for intent to supply).
2. Medical and Religious Use
- Legalized (in principle, not yet implemented).
- Legislation was passed in 2024 to allow:
- Medical use (for prescribed patients).
- Religious use (mainly by Rastafarian communities).
- Scientific research.
3. Licensing & Regulation
- A Cannabis Authority was created to regulate:
- Cultivation.
- Manufacturing.
- Retail and export.
- Licensing rules:
- 100% Bahamian ownership required for retail and cultivation.
- At least 30% Bahamian ownership for processing and research.
4. Decriminalization
- Possession of less than 30 grams:
- No criminal record.
- $250 fine as a civil offense.
5. Implementation Status (2025)
- Not active yet.
- No funding allocated for the Cannabis Authority in the 2025/2026 budget.
- Medical and religious cannabis systems are not operational.
6. Public Sentiment
- Strong national support for medical cannabis reform.
- Reform efforts are aligned with wider Caribbean legalization trends.
Conclusion
- Recreational cannabis remains fully illegal.
- Medical and religious use is legal on paper but not yet functional.
- Visitors and residents should not use or carry cannabis until regulatory systems are in place.
