KINGSTON, Jamaica — As the number of ganja licenses issued by the Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) increases, the authority has sought to dispel any misconceptions surrounding the use of the drug for recreation.

“Anecdotal evidence suggests that as the number of licenses issued by the Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) for medicinal cannabis industry increases, so has the level of misconceptions surrounding its use for recreational purposes,” said the CLA in a release today.

The CLA said the need for clarification came after a newspaper article published last week Wednesday stated that ganja license holder, Kaya, “will provide medicinal and recreational ganja to locals and tourists. Since last year, Kaya Inc has been recruiting staff for its ganja wellness centre and café.”

“The Authority would like to make clear that the statement by the Gleaner as it relates to the licensee being granted a licence for the recreational sale of cannabis is erroneous and unfortunate. The Authority would like to further reiterate the fact that all licences granted are for medicinal purposes only and not for recreational,” stated the ganja authority,” said the CLA.

The CLA further informed that non-compliance with the provisions of the licence comes at a cost.

“As a condition of any licence issued, the licence holder is subject to compliance checks, and any activity which does not fall within the strictures of the licence, requires the CLA to take action. This may lead to the revocation of a licence if the activities are in contravention of the terms of the licence and the regulations.”

The authority said as a part of its monitoring and enforcement activities, it keeps close observation on the operations of all licensees and remains committed to maintaining a fully regulated and compliant Industry in keeping with the stipulations of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.

As such the authority said it is committed to its duty in keeping a watchful eye and taking decisive action when deemed necessary.