Jamaica will eventually have to reopen its market to foreign ganja if it hopes to expand exports, the Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) has acknowledged, arguing that reciprocal trade is necessary for industry growth.
CLA chairwoman Dr Nadeen Spence said trading operates under reciprocity, so Jamaica cannot expect other countries to open their markets while closing its own. She spoke at a Jamaica Observer Monday Exchange in St Andrew.
The comments come after a 2023 backlash when a Canadian licensee was granted an import licence, prompting a temporary ban on all ganja imports. Local stakeholders argued the move favoured foreign competitors without reciprocity, as Canada prohibits ganja imports from Jamaica.
CLA CEO Farrah Blake said no further imports have been allowed and the focus is on expanding access for traditional farmers. She noted about 110 retail operators, mostly in urban and tourist areas, and said the industry is growing, so there is no current need for imports.
Blake added that programmes like the special community permit and the Cultivator's Transitional Special Permit aim to widen access for small-scale farmers. She said the pause on imports was in the best interest of local farmers.
Source: jamaicaobserver.com
