CLAREMONT, ST ANN — Licensed medical marijuana farmer Errol Whyte is still counting his losses, but he already knows it will total millions of dollars after Hurricane Melissa ravaged his one acre of ganja in Claremont.

But Whyte, who has operated the Mellow Bud Ganja Farms for the past five years, remains optimistic as he sees an opportunity for licensed ganja farmers in the north and eastern side of the island to increase production and fill the gap left by those in the south-western section of the island who suffered even greater damage.

A few ganja seedlings

According to Whyte, there is a need for the Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) to step up and support ganja farmers like him who have been affected by the hurricane.

“We’re not just talking about me or a few farmers; we are talking about the entire industry. The Government and the CLA need to work together to provide relief and support to those of us who have been impacted,” Whyte told Observer Online.

Whyte believes that with the right support, farmers in the north and eastern side of the island can increase production and help meet the growing demand for medical marijuana.

Mellow Buds farm after hurricane Melissa

“We have the land, we have the expertise, and we have the passion. What we need is the support from the CLA and the government to make this happen,” added Whyte.

He is urging the CLA to take a more proactive approach in supporting farmers and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the medical marijuana industry in Jamaica.

Mellow Buds in Claremont ,St Ann

“We are not only farmers, we are entrepreneurs [and] we are job creators. We are committed to this industry, and we need the CLA to be committed to us,” declared Whyte.

— Ingrid Henry