Work Towards Developing a Cannabis Regulatory Framework Underway

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Anthony Hylton, today announced that the recommendations to guide the development of the regulations for the Cannabis industry will be completed in September. He further stated that the work being done to develop the industry is being guided by the Cannabis Licensing Authority, and the Cannabis Advisory Business Council. The update comes four months after the Amendments to the Dangerous Drugs Act came into effect on April 15, 2015.

The Cannabis Licensing Authority, which was established under the Act is charged with developing the regulatory framework for Industrial Hemp as well as Ganja (marijuana) for medical, therapeutic and scientific purposes, and is also responsible for the issuing of licenses, permits and authorizations in keeping with said regulations. The Cannabis Advisory Business Council was recently appointed to provide policy advice to the Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce on considerations impacting the development and growth of successful cannabis industries in Jamaica. Both groups will play a critical role in the holistic development of successful industries based on industry best practices and taking into consideration Jamaica’s culture and historical experience.

In commenting on the experience of other nations in developing cannabis industries, Minister Hylton stated, "It is not our aim to copy other jurisdictions which face different circumstances, different levels of capacity and are working towards different goals. But we are learning best practices from those that have gone before, to accelerate the speed at which the legislation is implemented whilst being calculated in our movements and remaining true to our 2 international commitments. We confidently expect that in this process, we will make our own contribution to international best practices in this fast growing industry" In his statement, the Minister discussed the opportunities for job creation and increased entrepreneurship in the areas of agriculture, manufacturing, medical research and tourismrelated activities which will contribute to Jamaica’s economic development. While work on the regulations is ongoing, the Minister noted that already it has been agreed that the cannabis regulations would be guided by at least four general principles:

• The policy and regulatory framework must be lean, evidence-based, and marketdriven.
• The Government will ensure that the rights of traditional and spiritual users and
• growers are protected and taken into consideration during this development process.
• The policy and regulatory framework is likely to present both positive incentives for the
• legitimate operators, in the form of access to markets and technical support, and
• strong negative sanctions for any who choose to remain outside the law.
• The regulations will ensure congruence with the country’s international obligations in
• respect of the global narcotics and drug trade

In developing the recommendations for the regulations in the coming weeks, the Minister noted that, "As with every other food, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical product, the new cannabis products will have to meet specific relevant health, safety and environmental
requirements, as well as the required standards for product quality, labelling and packaging. This is critical to deterring irresponsible sale and usage of its by-products, in the hope of reducing the attendant illegal activities that are now associated with the sector".

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