.jpg)
.png)
00:00
00:00
00:00
Diane Edwards, President of JAMPRO and Mark Golding
Research is underway to find characteristics of ganja strains that are unique to Jamaica and to provide legal protection.
Some strains of cannabis stand out as superior based on a number of factors including yield of seed, fiber and cannabinoid content.
Diane Edwards, President of Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) said the country will have to develop a genetic bank which has the DNA of the strains which are indigenous.
"Really, the first thing we have to do...is to research what are the specific strains we have in Jamaica and then isolate what are the DNA strands we have and how to protect them," she noted.
Ms Edwards said Jamaica will then seek intellectual property protection for these strains.
"What that would mean is that we would own patents and licences in a particular strain, so if that strain is developed to treat a particular illness then we would own the right to exploit that strain and we would own the commercial proceeds from developing and we could licence that intellectual property to other people who want to exploit it," she explained.
Protection for ganja can be obtained through Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Contracts and Plant Variety Protection Certificates.
Ms Edwards said there is no timeline when the research to identfy ganja strains unique to Jamaica is expected to be completed.
However, she said the process is being hampered by a lack of trust.
"A lot of people don't want to come out of the woodwork...to bring their strains to light because they are afraid that their strains will be either adulterated or other people will take their DNA. But at some point we have got to trust each other and we have to come forward with what are the indigenous strains so that we know what they are and we can protect them."
She was speaking with RJR News after concern was raised about protection for Jamaican cannabis strains at Thursday's RJRGleaner Townhall meeting at Jamaica College.
Opposition Spokesman on Finance Mark Golding, who was also at the townhall and who was the Justice Minister when the legislative framework was created to formalise the marijuana industry, is encouraging Jamaica to seriously consider withdrawing from certain international treaties so that it can change its regulations surrounding the legal ganja business.
Mr. Golding stated that the provisions are there to facilitate this move, so it needs serious consideration.
All feeds
