Seiveright warns cannabis farmers against scams

Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce Delano Seiveright is urging traditional cannabis farmers and prospective investors to guard against scams, misinformation and fraudulent investment schemes.

The warning came at the launch on Friday of the Cannabis Licensing Authority’s (CLA) Special Cannabis Permit Road Tour at the Newell High School in Watchwell, St Elizabeth, where farmers and community members were introduced to the Government’s latest cannabis reforms and opportunities within Jamaica’s regulated medicinal cannabis industry.

Seiveright said the road tour is designed to raise awareness of the CLA’s Special Cannabis Permit programme, improve transparency and encourage lawful participation in the sector.

Warning that the industry’s growth could attract fraudsters, he urged cultivators not to rely on rumours, social media or individuals claiming they can secure permits outside the legal process.

Quoting the Jamaican proverb, ‘Tek sleep mark death’, he encouraged farmers to verify all information directly with the CLA before investing money, land or signing agreements.

He said taking the regulator into farming communities will help cultivators better understand the permit application process while avoiding fraudulent schemes. The outreach forms part of the Government’s broader strategy to simplify licensing, educate growers and promote entrepreneurship, investment, employment and rural development.

“Our objective is to bring more Jamaicans into the legitimate economy through a modern, transparent and well-regulated medicinal cannabis industry,” Seiveright said.

The tour follows the introduction of two new permit categories—the Cultivator’s (Transitional) Special Permit and the Special Community Permit—which are intended to lower barriers to entry and help traditional growers and organised community groups transition into the legal industry.

Seiveright said the reforms recognise the expertise of traditional cultivators while supporting compliance with Jamaica’s regulatory framework. He noted that about 200 licences have been issued across cultivation, retail, processing, transportation and research, reflecting the industry’s continued growth.

He added that the medicinal cannabis sector has strong potential to attract investment, create jobs, strengthen agriculture, expand value-added manufacturing, increase exports and boost rural economies.

Seiveright also commended CLA Chief Executive Officer Farrah Blake and her team, and credited Industry Minister Senator Aubyn Hill for leading a reform package that includes longer permit tenures, a standardised renewal process, employee identification cards and a legal framework for cannabis delivery services. He said the measures are aimed at reducing administrative barriers, improving regulatory efficiency and expanding lawful participation.

Meanwhile, Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Minister Floyd Green reaffirmed his ministry’s support, describing agriculture and medicinal cannabis as natural partners. Seiveright said both ministries are strengthening collaboration to improve policy coordination and support cultivators.

The CLA’s Special Cannabis Permit Road Tour will begin in St Elizabeth before expanding to other major cultivation communities across Jamaica, where officers will explain the new permit categories, provide technical guidance and assist prospective applicants through the licensing process.

Seiveright said the Government remains committed to building a responsible, transparent and sustainable medicinal cannabis industry that creates meaningful economic opportunities while expanding legal participation.