Photo: As expected, Jamaica's government this week passed a marijuana decriminalization law. Montego Bay, Jamaica. (Photo by Brian Major).

Fulfilling predictions made earlier this year by several government officials, Jamaica's parliament has passed a law allowing for possession of up to two ounces of marijuana. The legislation also approves the creation of a licensing agency to regulate a medical marijuana industry in Jamaica.

The country's upper house of parliament approved the legislation late Tuesday, allowing the measure to be passed into law. Jamaica's senate approved the decriminalization legislation earlier this month following a similar vote by the cabinet in January.

Under the new law, possession of up to two ounces of marijuana will be considered a petty offense and would not result in a criminal record. Cultivation of five or fewer plants on any premises would also be permitted.

Jamaica's Rastafarian population will be able to legally use marijuana for religious purposes. Also, tourists who are prescribed medical marijuana abroad will shortly be authorized to apply for permits allowing them to legally buy small amounts of "ganja."

Phillip Paulwell, a member of Jamaica's parliament, predicted late last year that "decriminalization of the weed will become a reality" in Jamaica within one year. At the time Jamaican political leaders said the country's move toward decriminalization mirrored similar initiatives in the U.S. and other countries. Mark Golding, Jamaica's minister of justice, cited "recent developments in this hemisphere."

Decriminalization in Jamaica culminates a long period during which the drug was simultaneously illegal and widely available in areas of Jamaica frequented by vacationers. The law remains controversial in Jamaica, which despite its laid-back image is a conservative nation where many do not appreciate the ganja-loving reputation.

Jamaica's national security minister, Peter Bunting, said the new law does not represent any easing of Jamaica's stance on the international drugs trade, or on the illegal cultivation of the plant.

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