Minister Hylton Says Ganja Industry Framework Must Be Right

Industry, Investment and Commerce Minister, Hon. Anthony Hylton, says the country must get the framework for a regulated and legalized cannabis industry right the first time.

He emphasized that Jamaica is left with no choice but to ensure that every aspect of legally participating in the regulated sector, is done correctly.

“The Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) has deliberately remained sequestered as they deliberate with key stakeholders on the tenets of the regulations that will guide the industry. They understand, as I do, the importance of developing a sustainable industry that takes into consideration the best practices, while ensuring that it will thrive within the context of Jamaican socio-economic realities,” the Minister said.

Mr. Hylton was speaking at the Swept Away Resort in Negril on November 14, at a Beckley Foundation two-day conference on Jamaica’s Cannabis Reforms.

The Minister said a legalized and regulated cannabis industry in Jamaica will only be successful if best practice methods and approaches are applied.

“There are four hallmarks that we must achieve, in order that the policies that we implement are sustainable and grounded in global best practice. These are: a standards led quality infrastructure; the balance between adopting and adapting to best practices; ensuring optimal economic impact; and intellectual property rights protection,” he informed.

Mr.  Hylton told the conference that the Bureau of Standards Jamaica  has been charged with the task of developing a standard-led and market driven quality infrastructure, to ensure that industry standards are developed, disseminated and enforced.

“These are not mere standards based on what we think we can manage to implement. These are standards that are being demanded by the marketplace and by which all stakeholders will be held accountable, not just by the Bureau, but by the international consumers and enforcement agencies, both locally and overseas,” he emphasized.

“The standards must be developed, which involves understanding global expectations and requirements; the standards must be understood by the stakeholders that will be governed by them; and these standards, once established, must be enforced,” the Minister said.

Mr. Hylton pointed out that the Bureau will be charged with ensuring that these standards are clearly understood by all the key players across the island.