KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ganja Growers and Producers Association of Jamaica (GGPAJ) is calling for a response from the Ministry of Health in light of reports that a private company has been registered to undertake the training of doctors and pharmacists to prescribe medicinal ganja in Jamaica.

The GGPAJ, in a release last night, said that the matter brought to light possible unethical practices and conflict of interest, and added that the policy is also an issue among many medical practitioners.

“…The more important matter is that these participants are required to pay US$400 for their training while sponsorship is being solicited to cover the cost of the programme. We expect that employees of herb houses and no doubt employees involved in other related activities and employees will be targeted, while industry stakeholders and investors are excluded or have no say in the matter, the CGPAJ said in its release.

“We are calling for an immediate investigation into the matter by the relevant authorities to verify the information and facts and act upon them as necessary, the CGPAJ added.

The GCPAJ is questioning:

1) Why this company?

2) Who are the owners?

3) How was it selected?

4) Was there an open tender process?

5) How is national health issue like this taken away from the MOH and what happens to the profits from the venture?

6) Why are industry participants excluded?

7) Why is the CLA who is to regulate and manage the industry, totally silent on this issue?