Jamaica Could Stand Out In Ganja Industry – Minister Hylton

Industry, Investment and Commerce Minister, Hon. Anthony Hylton, says there are many opportunities for Jamaica to become a standout country in a regulated and legal marijuana industry.

Speaking at the Swept Away Resort in Negril on Saturday, November 14, on the final day of a Beckley Foundation two-day conference on Jamaica’s Cannabis Reforms, the Minister said while many countries have joined the process towards establishing a legal cannabis industry, Jamaica with its brand recognition already has a head start.

“Each country will undoubtedly carve out its own competitive marketing angle, but none have a greater opportunity than we here in Jamaica to leverage the country brand association with marijuana,” he said.

He added that the cannabis industry, previously seen as a negative, has generated much interest and holds a lot of potential to aid Jamaica’s growth.

The Minister pointed out that the global competition in the legalised and regulated marijuana industry is already heating up, especially in some of Jamaica’s main trading partners, including some areas of the United States of America, sections of Canada, and the Netherlands, which will present new trading opportunities.

He noted that one of the most fundamental moves in this regard was made by the new Canadian government, which has announced that it will soon be legalising the cultivation, sale and recreational use of cannabis.

“The implications are already sending ripples across the world. Indeed, once the cannabis industry fully develops, there exists a clear opportunity for trade in cannabis given Jamaica’s strong brand and long-standing trade partnership with Canada,” the Minister said.

Mr. Hylton said the responsible development of the cannabis industry here in Jamaica is even more important now, as more governments across the world are fully recognising the value of the sector.

Congratulating the organisers of the conference, the Minister said it presented a very good opportunity for discussions to take place on the ongoing work towards establishing a legal cannabis industry.

“We are now witnessing the transformation of the once obscured and mainly underground marijuana industry, which has been steadily gaining increased traction globally,” he noted.

The conference presenters and participants looked at developments in Jamaica and a number of countries in the regulation and legalisation of the cannabis industry, and the opportunities which will be presented for stakeholders at all levels in the sector.