Jamaica’s hemp to produce best CBD oil – Shaw

Jamaica’s hemp industry will produce the best CBD oil, declared the Hon Audley Shaw, Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, at the official ground-breaking ceremony for 365-acre Organic Grow Jamaica Craft Medicinal Hemp Farm at Long Pond Estate in Trelawny on December 11, 2019.
While noting the huge market for CBD oil, Minister Shaw said “we want to tap into this market and to reduce our reliance on imports”, pointing out that there are major companies in Jamaica producing a variety of products from imported CBD oil.
Internationally, the prospects for growth of the hemp industry are very promising, following on the United States’ Hemp Farming Act of 2018, the minister noted. This, he said, augurs well for the CBD market in the United States, which is expected to be worth as much as US$16 billion by 2025.
“With our close proximity to the US, Jamaica’s hemp industry is strategically poised for growth as we seek to tap into this large market,” stated Minister Shaw.
While noting the importance of the hemp industry, Minister Shaw emphasised that the industry was no threat to the local ganja industry as standards are in place to avoid cross pollination.
“We are very mindful that we must endeavour to protect our local indigenous strains of cannabis and the Jamaican brand, which is synonymous with premium quality. Therefore, as we continue to develop new strains locally, we continue to place heavy reliance on research and adherence to standards.

Hemp is a variety of cannabis that contains 0.3% or less tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content, a chemical compound that produces the feeling of being high while marijuana can contain up to 30% THC. Cannabidiol (CBD), on the other hand, is another chemical found in cannabis that does not cause the psychoactive side effects of THC or any mind-altering side effects.

Hemp has been found to contain a significant amount of CBD which can be used to treat a variety of illnesses, including chronic pain, anxiety, epilepsy, cancer, and even acne.