KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Floyd Green has directed the Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) to fast track the cannabis licensing approval process.

According to a release from the ministry, Green met with the heads of the authority on Tuesday to discuss the functioning of the authority, the implementation of the alternative development programme and the cannabis licensing application process.

He expressed concerns about the length of time between application and decision, and asked the agency to explore ways to reduce the time, noting that a significant proportion of the delay in the decision making process was as a result of the due diligence requirements.

The minister also tasked the CLA with embarking on a more expansive education program about the application and licensing process for legal operation in the cannabis industry in a bid to facilitate interested individuals and to guide them in the commencement of their application.

Green noted that the ministry would be moving to incorporate more persons with agricultural competencies, both at the board level and the technical level.

He shared with the board that one of his critical priorities is incorporating traditional growers in the legal cannabis industry.

The minister further outlined that he has directed an acceleration of the Alternative Development Pilot Programme, which has targeted the communities of Accompong and Orange Hill.

The programme is set to be launched at the end of April 2019.

The CLA is one of the agencies that fall under the Industry and Commerce portfolio to which minister Green has responsibility.

The minister reaffirmed Jamaica's commitment to have a robust medical marijuana industry in keeping with international guidelines and standards.