In April 2015, the Government of Jamaica amended the Dangerous Drugs Act (DDA), to decriminalize cannabis possession, legalize home cultivation for medicinal and spiritual and sacramental use, and create a new, licensed industry for medical cannabis and hemp.

The Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) has been tasked under the amendment to draft and enforce regulations governing the licensed production, processing and distribution of cannabis for medical and industrial purposes. To that end, the Ministry of Industry, Investment andCommerce hired BOTEC Analysis to conduct research and make recommendations regarding regulations for medical cannabis and industrial hemp to help promote Jamaican economic development, investment, and local job growth while protecting public health and safety