It came as a victorious day for Jamaica people after the Carribean country made its first legal export of Marijuana oil to Canada.
The export permit was granted by the Jamaican Ministry of Health after a local producer Timeless Herbal Care struck a deal with Health Canada to export the oil. The Jamaican government claimed it to be the first foundation step in setting up Jamaica as a global leader in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry since its legalization.
Minister of Industry, commerce, agriculture and fisheries, Audrey Shaw stated, “ Jamaica is strongly positioned at a global level and we are committed to present the leadership and resources by our authorized Jamaican dealers as required in the international cannabis markets of Canada and Europe”
Jamaica is the largest Marijuana producer with perfect weather and biodiversity which is suited for the growth of marijuana.
Shaw has earlier served as a deputy leader of the labor party and has been a long time advocate of cannabis cultivation in Jamaica. He believes it will help in strengthening the country’s economic prosperity as Jamaica is the biggest producer of Marijuana.
Opposite party leaders are also keenly involved in turning Jamaica into key cannabis exporter. Ambassador Anthony Hylton, shadow minister of planning, termed it as a historical move by the government and ensure that it is not going to be just a one-time event but a continuous activity opening the new avenues for the Jamaican market. He also hopes it comes out as a turning point in generating the revenues in Jamaica.
Cannabis was earlier banned in Jamaica under the Ganja Act of 1913, but in 2015, the legislature voted for all but possession up to two ounces ( 56.6g). Cultivation of five plants is allowed per household, most of the Rastafarians use it for religious purposes. Although the government is involved in many business contracts with various Canadian practitioners but full legalization of Cannabis is still a catch-22. Jamaica’s financial system goes through the U.S—where cannabis is illegal under federal law.
The banks in Jamaica are federally controlled by the U.S banks and they could terminate the agreement if the bank is involved in any illegal activity under U.S federal law. This is the reason, they are reluctant to legalize marijuana in Jamaica. However, a few states have legalized marijuana and if the U.S government allows, it would create a way for Jamaica to roll over the world.
