KINGSTON, Jamaica - Opposition Spokesperson on Industry, Investment and Global Logistics, Anthony Hylton, is expressing serious concerns over the reported decision of Jamaica’s Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) to approve the importation of cannabis from Canada into Jamaica.

In a statement today, Hylton said he strongly opposed the decision, particularly because several attempts to legally export cannabis and cannabis products from Jamaica to the Canadian market have been met with resistance, including trade barriers.

READ: Jamaican ganja farmers outraged after licence granted to import Canadian herb

The opposition spokesperson termed the development as alarming.

"It is on its face inexplicable that the barriers to entry into the Canadian market are such that continuing efforts to export cannabis-related products has been met with a high bar and inability to gain access to that market", he said.

Hylton said the decision by the CLA to grant import licences for cannabis grown in Canada to be imported into Jamaica deserves a full explanation to the stakeholders in the local industry as to the basis for such a decision.

Consequently, he is demanding a quick response from the portfolio Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator Aubyn Hill, on the agency’s decision.