KINGSTON, Jamaica – Amendments to the Dangerous Drugs (Cannabis Licensing) (Interim) Regulations, which will govern the licensing regime for the cultivation, harvesting, processing/manufacturing, transporting and retailing of ganja, are being finalised.

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator Aubyn Hill, provided details while addressing the Standing Finance Committee in the House of Representatives on March 6.

“The Regulations are being finalised to give impact to the Cultivators (Transitional) Special Permit and the Community Special Permit, and the Alternative Development Programme (ADP),” he said.

Impending implementation of the regulations will pave the way for the authority to begin the issuance of licences, permits and authorisations.

“The legislation is at the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel (OPC) and should be completed soon, because we are making adjustments,” Senator Hill pointed out.

The Minister noted that under 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.

-JIS