PNP Pledges to Revitalize Jamaica’s Ganja Industry
Montego Bay, Jamaica — In a bold move to address the struggling legal cannabis sector, Mark Golding, President of the People’s National Party (PNP), has announced sweeping plans to rebuild and revitalize the industry if the PNP comes to power. Golding made this declaration during the recent inauguration of the PNP’s new St James Central constituency office in Montego Bay.
The call for reform comes amid criticism of the current Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) administration’s handling of the industry. Golding accused the ruling government of enacting policies that have stifled the growth and potential of Jamaica’s legal ganja market.
“The lawful ganja industry has been ruined by the poor policies and ineffective management of the industry by the Jamaica Labour Party Government," Golding stated. "It needs a complete overhaul, and we intend to give it that overhaul so that it can be a source of legitimate wealth creation for our farmers, especially small farmers, many of whom built the industry in the shadows and suffered the oppression as a result of prohibition over 100 years.”
The 2015 reform to the Dangerous Drugs Act marked a significant shift by decriminalizing personal possession and use of ganja. It recognized the rights of Rastafarians to cultivate and utilize cannabis for sacramental purposes and laid the groundwork for a burgeoning medical cannabis industry. Despite this progress, Golding believes that more can be done to transform the industry and make it viable for small farmers.
Golding emphasized the importance of pushing the industry forward on an international scale, noting that there is a global opening for initiatives in this sector. His remarks suggest a focus on positioning Jamaica as a key player in the global cannabis market.
The opening event also spotlighted Janice Allen, an Opposition senator. Allen is set to challenge the incumbent JLP Member of Parliament, Heroy Clarke, for the St James Central seat, which Clarke has held since 2016. The political landscape is heating up as candidates and parties gear up for the impending general election.
As the discourse around cannabis reform continues, the PNP’s promise of a revitalized industry underscores a strategic effort to appeal to constituents concerned with economic opportunities and the legacy of Jamaica’s ganja culture.
Source: Jamaica Observer
