Jamaica urged to secure cannabis market

An international researcher is urging the government to fast track efforts for Jamaica to secure a segment of  the global medical cannabis market.           

Co-Founder of  the International Medical Cannabis Patient Coalition, Boaz Wachtel, says many countries are reluctant to grow medical marijuana. He is linking this to some governments being hesitant to adjust policies.

Wachtel says the United Nations Drug Convention has outlined an eight point model to govern the cannabis industry.

"This is the model that eventually be in Jamaica - what is needed is the political will ......

He says the global cannabis market is expected to be valued at more than US$20 billion  in five years.

Meanwhile, Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett says by next year December there will be a full roll out of  a cannabis health and wellness policy in Jamaica.

He said the government is planning to cash in on the global cannabis market and as a result, officials are considering a location in western Jamaica to invest in health and wellness tourism.