Hedonism II’s Hedo Weedo is smokin’

Jamaica might have missed the boat in the early decriminalisation of cannabis for personal and medicinal usage; however, forward-thinking hotelier Kevin Levee has ensured that the island renowned for reggae music and cannabis is the first country to have a cannabis dispensary located on a resort property – Hedonism II’s Hedo Weedo.

“Hedo Weedo opened as soon as the hotel sector reopened, July 1, 2020,” Levee disclosed, adding that the process had begun five years earlier. “As soon as the government decriminalised cannabis, the pursuit of the license started.”

Levee, a former general manager of Hedonism II and partner in Marshmallow Limited, which took a controlling interest in the resort in February 2013, said being in Negril since 1984, it was a no-brainer for him not to have acted quickly.

“It seemed like a natural fit to have a dispensary at Hedonism II. The pieces fit well together,” he explained.

Whereas the new law paved the way for a licensing authority to be set up to deal with regulations on the cultivation and distribution of marijuana for medical, scientific, and therapeutic purposes, it also opened opportunities for the island to become a player in the nascent medical marijuana industry, health tourism and the development of innovative marijuana-derived items.

Thus giving birth to Hedo Weedo, which has become a hit for not only guests at Hedonism II but also walk-ins and visitors at other resorts, who feel safer in the controlled and relaxed environment of Hedonism II’s smoking room as opposed to being approached by beach walkers along the strip.

“It has been an overwhelmingly positive response not being limited to guests at Hedonism II,” noted Tatiana Answer, the resort’s marketing manager.

“Hedo Weedo is open to visitors from other resorts, and residents of Negril, as long as they are over 21 years of age and have a doctor’s approval. Once those criteria are met, the dispensary is open to all,” she pointed out.

ainsley.walters@gleanerjm.com