KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) did not start accepting applications on April 4, as it had initially indicated.

In a news release Tuesday, the CLA cited the recent change in government as the reason for the delay. They did not, however, indicate a new date for accepting applications, but said that they expect that before the end of the month, they will start reviewing applications.

“The transition to a new Government has caused some delays in our getting the regulations that had been developed approved,” CLA Chairman Dr Andre Gordon confirmed.

He said that while minister with portfolio responsibility Karl Samuda has seen the draft regulations, a meeting needs to be held with the minister of justice who has to review and approve them for the industry to be able to commence operations.

“With both ministers just having taken office, it should it understandable that it has taken time to get matters such as these addressed,” Gordon said.

According to the release, the authority had hoped that, at a minimum, it would have been able to release the application forms, eligibility criteria and price structure to potential licensees under Jamaica’s legal cannabis industry.

These, however, have to be the subject of ministerial approval and must await the meeting which, they expect will be able to take place shortly.

“It is unfortunate that we weren’t able to start as we had hoped,” stated portfolio minister, Karl Samuda, “but we must take the time necessary to ensure that the regulations are so written to ensure that the industry is structured to benefit Jamaicans, and grow legitimate small enterprises across the country, while ensuring that Jamaica remains compliant with its international obligations.”

In a press release in February, in addition to announcing an April 4 start date to the industry, the CLA had indicated that 11 types of licences across five main categories will be made available to interested people – cultivator, transportation, processing, retailing, and R&D – ensuring coverage over the entire value chain for the Jamaican ganja industry.

The authority requested that interested people email them at secretariat@cla.org.jm, to be added to their database of potential applicants that are kept updated on any developments on the regulations and the applications process being formulated for the industry.