Ganja caution

MONTEGO BAY, St James — Cannabis advocate and Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) board member Ras Iyah V has welcomed Government’s latest push to bring more traditional ganja cultivators into Jamaica’s regulated medicinal cannabis industry, but cautioned that the reforms could create a glut in the market unless equal attention is given to developing processing capacity and securing export markets.

His comments came in response to an announcement by state minister in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce Delano Seiveright that traditional cannabis growers are being given greater opportunities to enter the regulated industry through a series of reforms now being rolled out by the Government.

Speaking during the recent launch of the CLA’s Special Cannabis Permit Road Tour in Newell, St Elizabeth, Seiveright said the initiative is intended to expand legal participation in the industry while helping cultivators understand the regulatory framework.

“The objective is simple: We want more Jamaicans participating legally in this growing industry, creating businesses, generating jobs, and contributing to stronger rural economies,” said the state minister.

Among the reforms are the introduction of a Cultivator’s (Transitional) Special Permit, which provides experienced, traditional, cannabis growers with a pathway to full licensing, and a Special Community Permit to allow organised community groups to legally participate in medicinal cannabis cultivation. The reforms also include longer permit tenures, a standardised permit extension process, employee identification provisions, and a legal framework for cannabis delivery services.

While endorsing efforts to broaden grass roots participation, Ras Iyah V argued that increasing the number of licensed growers without simultaneously expanding processing and marketing opportunities could undermine the initiative.

“Yes, I give thanks for what Delano is saying but I think this is something that has to be thoroughly thought through,” he said.

According to the veteran cannabis advocate, existing licensed cultivators are already struggling to find markets for their products.

“I am aware of the difficulties that the present people who have licences to grow are going through in getting their products marketed locally and internationally,” he said.

“The more people you get involved in the industry, the more raw ganja buds and flowers you’re going to have. What are we going to do with all of those herbs?” he questioned.

Ras Iyah V argued that Jamaica needs to establish cannabis extraction facilities across the country to convert raw cannabis into higher-value products such as oils, pastes and butters, which have stronger demand in local and overseas markets.

RAS IYAH V… this is something that has to be thoroughly thought through (Photo: Philp Lemonte)

“The only way this programme can work is that almost every county would have to have a ganja extraction facility where people can carry their herbs to be converted into by-products that are marketable locally and internationally. Otherwise, all you’re going to have is people growing herb and you’ll have a glut on the market — just like when tomato or carrot comes in and people have to throw away their produce,” he argued.

He also lamented the loss of what he described as Jamaica’s only Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-certified cannabis processing facility, noting that the investor behind the operation reportedly injected more than US$10 million into Jamaica before eventually leaving because of financial pressures and insufficient support.

According to Ras Iyah V, GMP-certified facilities are critical because many overseas buyers require medicinal cannabis products to be processed under internationally recognised standards before they can be imported.

“These are the types of facilities that Jamaica needs,” he said.

The cannabis advocate also urged the CLA to take a more active role in helping licensed operators identify overseas markets.

“Otherwise, this programme is not going to work,” he warned.

“When the present people are already experiencing difficulty marketing their products, how much more difficult will it be when much more people enter the industry?” he added.

Seiveright, meanwhile, said one of the key objectives of the nationwide road tour is to ensure cultivators receive accurate information directly from the regulator rather than relying on rumours or misinformation.

He noted that the ministries of industry, investment and commerce, and agriculture, fisheries and mining have strengthened collaboration through a recent high-level policy meeting aimed at supporting the continued development of Jamaica’s regulated medicinal cannabis industry.

The CLA’s Special Cannabis Permit Road Tour is expected to make stops in cultivation communities across Jamaica, providing information on the new permit categories, technical guidance, and direct assistance to prospective participants seeking to enter the regulated medicinal cannabis market.