Jamaica will not be left behind in the growing cannabis industry, assures Min. Shaw

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Audley Shaw, is assuring Jamaicans that despite the challenges, the country will not be left behind in the rapidly growing cannabis industry.

According to the Minister, Jamaica cannot afford to miss the boat while the rest of the world is rushing to take advantage of this multi-billion dollar industry.

“I now find myself in the position to work with you all in creating the vision for Jamaica and the path for us to make the country a medical marijuana hub for the world. I welcome this industry as a key pillar in helping to move Jamaica from poverty to prosperity, as there will be tremendous economic impact for many other industries and services, not just the growing of the plant,” said Minister Shaw.

The Minister was addressing the opening of the 3rd Jamaican Medical Cannabis Integration Symposium (JAMECANN 2018) at the University of Technology in St. Andrew on July 5, which is being held under the theme ‘Merging Science, Spirit & Business’.

The Minister informed that he is committed to providing the leadership that is necessary to mobilize the resources and the personnel required to ensure the success of the industry as ‘failure is not an option’. He further advised that we have to change the mindset from the spliff mentality and work to bring clinically proven medicine to market.

“Let us reach out to our diaspora. There are many Jamaicans abroad, said the Minister, who would gladly contribute their knowledge, expertise and, maybe even money to help develop true medical products that can reduce pain and help many other diseases. Let us include all areas of business people to create a real industry”.

The Minister further informed that he is presently formulating a strategy to help fast track the industry, which will not just focus on THC but also the non-psychoactive compound in the plant CBD, which, he said, is vital for medicinal cannabis.

The two-day symposium, hosted by the University of Technology, College of Health Sciences, is geared towards showcasing the advances that have been made in the Jamaican and international medical cannabis sector; and to provide opportunities for building research networks.
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