A handful of young Bahamians are hoping to turn their social media traction into a political movement for the decriminalisation of marijuana.

Marijuana Bahamas spokesperson Renaldo Cartwright told The Tribune his group hopes to overcome the local stigma surrounding the illegal drug to allow for informed debate over potential economic, social and medical benefits.

Mr Cartwright, 23, stressed the group’s aim was not to promote drug use but lobby for a modern approach to shifting global attitudes.

The group is looking to launch a public relations campaign to raise awareness, and plans to host a march early next year.

The country with the biggest weed habit? That might surprise you.

A new report claims the UK government should legalise marijuana because it's “the only solution to crime and addiction problems”.

The strongly-worded study - titled The Tide Effect: How the World is Changing its Mind on Cannabis - was produced by the nonpartisan Adam Smith Institute and has the backing of several cross-party MPs including former deputy prime minister, Nick Clegg.

A new report claims the UK government should legalise marijuana because it's “the only solution to crime and addiction problems”.

The strongly-worded study - titled The Tide Effect: How the World is Changing its Mind on Cannabis - was produced by the nonpartisan Adam Smith Institute and has the backing of several cross-party MPs including former deputy prime minister, Nick Clegg.

Bahamas police say they seized nearly 200 pounds of marijuana during an exercise here over the weekend.

They gave no details regarding the street value of the 193 pounds of marijuana seized, but said a  45 year-old man is assisting their investigations.

The police said that members of the Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU), conducted an operation at Arawak Cay Port area on Saturday leading to the seizure.

They said the law enforcement officials stopped a vehicle being driven by the suspect and on conducting the search “uncovered two large coolers containing several crocus bags with 193 pounds of marijuana”.

MIAMI (WSVN) -- Over 5,000 pounds of marijuana was seized by the United States Coast Guard and multiple agencies near the Bahamas Wednesday.

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection aircraft spotted the 35-foot vessel speeding without lights at around 12:53 a.m., according to a news release.

"This is another great achievement by OPBAT and highlights how our joint efforts reduce the negative impacts illicit trafficking has on the United States and the Bahamas," said Cmdr. Mark Driver, OPBAT director for Coast Guard aviation operations.

Authorities took the suspect along with the vessel and marijuana to be processed in the Bahamas.

n July 10, the Bahamas celebrated the 42nd anniversary of its independence from Great Britain. The islands that make up this Caribbean nation have become a must-see tourist destination over the past decades, while Nassau, the capital, has a history that is currently being glorified by Hollywood. The TV series ‘Black Sails,’ aired on the Starz network, depicts what life was like in Nassau in the early 18th century when pirates ruled the Caribbean.