THE Ganja Growers and Producers Association of Jamaica (GGPAJ) has welcomed proposed amendments to cannabis licensing regulations. The association’s president, Maurice Ellis, sees the move as a meaningful step towards inclusivity and recognition of the historical role of small farmers in Jamaica’s cannabis sector.

“We are encouraged that the Government has recognised the stagnation and is now prepared to address all the issues. This is a meaningful step toward improving access for our small and legacy cultivators who have long struggled to participate in the regulated cannabis industry,” Ellis told the Jamaica Observer.

The proposed community cultivation model could allow groups of small farmers to cultivate up to 10 acres of marijuana for medicinal purposes, promoting a more inclusive framework.

Addressing the Standing Finance Committee in the House of Representatives on March 6, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Senator Aubyn Hill said amendments to the Dangerous Drugs (Cannabis Licensing) (Interim) Regulations are being finalised. The regulations will govern the licensing regime for the cultivation, harvesting, processing/manufacturing, transporting and retailing of ganja. They will pave the way for the Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) to begin the issuance of licences, permits and authorisations.

The minister noted that, with the changes, fees are to be waived for the first two years.

“We are trying to ensure that we build the market locally as much as we can. We also reduced the requirements for small people who are under two acres, to make sure it is easy. We are doing all that we can within the borders of Jamaica,” Hill said.

The GGPAJ’s Ellis emphasised the need for safeguards to prevent larger investors from exploiting these licences.

“They should genuinely empower traditional farmers rather than becoming vehicles for larger investors to indirectly control production through proxy arrangements,” he urged.

GGPAJ is concerned that some imported products and brands are being sold without adhering to local regulations. Ellis also wants the National Commission on Drug Abuse to ramp up public education on cannabis use, and wants commercial banks to work with legitimate ganja growers.

“The commercial banks currently will not accept deposits from any cannabis company or individuals,” he said, an often-aired grouse of ganja farmers.

He is optimistic that changes to the Dangerous Drugs Act will address some of these concerns.

“We are committed to working with the Government [and] industry stakeholders to ensure that Jamaica’s cannabis industry develops in a way that is inclusive, sustainable and beneficial to the farmers who have carried the industry for generations, Ellis said.