SCOTT’S HALL, St Mary — Opportunities in the legal cannabis industry and issues around the sacramental use of ganja were among the topics explored during a ganja symposium to mark Cannabis Day. The event was jointly hosted by the Scott’s Hall Maroon Council, St Mary Ganja Growers and Producers Association (SMGG&PA), House of Seba, and the Rio Grande Maroon Heritage Cooperative.

SMGG&PA President Errol Haughton, who is also vice-president of the National Ganja Growers and Producers Association, said the day was about education and unity.

“Today is about bringing the traditional growers, the Maroons and the Rastafari community, together to talk about where ganja is going,” he explained.

“We have to protect the sacramental use and also make sure our small farmers get a fair chance in the industry,” Haughton added.

Cannabis Day, celebrated globally each year on April 20, is popularly known as 420. It brings together producers, consumers and advocates who want to see marijuana legalised for medicinal and recreational use.

On Monday farmers, Rastafari elders and community members gathered at the Scott’s Hall Primary School courtyard for the 420 event, which organisers stressed was open to everyone. There were discussions on cultivation standards, licensing challenges, and the cultural significance of cannabis to Maroon and Rastafari communities.

Elder Ras Jabulani of House of Seba spoke on the spiritual role of the plant.

“Ganja is our sacrament; it is part of our worship and our healing. World Cannabis Day gives us a chance to explain that to the wider public and to our young people,” he said.

He stressed that the planting of the herb is also spiritual.

During the event some attendees raised concerns about barriers facing small farmers trying to enter the legal market.

“The paperwork and the cost make it hard for the grass roots man to come in legally. We want to comply but the system has to meet us halfway,” said acting colonel of the Scott’s Hall Maroons Jone Williams, who noted that the process remains difficult.

Sheldon Bernard, a representative from the Rio Grande Maroon Heritage Co-operative, cautioned against communities being left behind as the industry develops.

He called for continued dialogue with regulators and policymakers.

Speaking on behalf of the Azteca Farmers Group from Highgate, Dwight Nelson said the symposium was useful as they have aspirations of moving into new ventures in the medical marijuana industry.

“Today we were enlightened about the different aspects in the industry,” Nelson said.