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This week, the Cannabis Licensing Authority celebrated the amendment of the rules governing the growth of cannabis in Jamaica. These amendments represent a comprehensive effort to remove barriers, expand participation, and improve efficiency across the cannabis value chain.

Delano Seivereight, Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce of Jamaica, opened the launch. The following are his remarks:

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Salutations

First, I must tender apologies for the absence of Sen. the Hon. Aubyn Hill who is unavoidably absent. I would also like to acknowledge my colleagues, Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Agencies, representatives of the Cannabis Licensing Authority, members of the diplomatic corps; our industry stakeholders, members of the media, and especially our farmers and community partners.

It is my honour to join you today as we mark an important step forward in strengthening Jamaica’s medicinal cannabis industry, and to reaffirm the Government’s clear and unwavering commitment to its growth, development, and long-term success.

This is truly a full-circle moment for me. As one of several vocal advocates for reform in my very late 20s just 13 years ago… to being a member of the Board from 2016 for several years, I had the honour of helping to lay some of the early foundations of this industry. Today, as Minister of State in the

Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, I stand with a deep sense of pride in how far we have come, witnessing the growth of the Authority from its early milestones, through the establishment of a strong regulatory framework, to this pivotal expansion that now embraces and uplifts our traditional farmers.

It reflects the journey of an industry shaped by vision, resilience, and collaboration. From the early calls of committed stakeholder groups including Rastafari, academia, known public commentators, politicians like Paul Burke, Mark Golding, Delroy Chuck, Mike Henry, Raymond Pryce, Dr. Norman Dunn, Angela Brown Burke and so on, whose voices helped bring about the establishment of the Cannabis Licensing Authority in 2015, promulgated by then Justice Minister Mark Golding, to the thoughtful development of the interim regulatory framework under the leadership of its first Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Shullette Cox, every step has been deliberate, inclusive, and forward-looking.

At the heart of this journey are the people, our traditional farmers, our licensees, and our industry partners, whose insights, perseverance, and belief in the possibilities of this sector have guided its evolution. Their contributions have not only shaped policy but have also ensured that the regulatory system remains grounded, responsive, and reflective of the realities on the ground.

Today, we do not simply celebrate how far we have come; we recommit ourselves to where we are going. A future where this industry continues to grow sustainably, inclusively, and with opportunity for all. Today is ultimately about people, our farmers, our communities, our current authorised permit holders who have taken the bold step of investing in and shaping this emerging industry, and the generations who have cultivated this crop, aware of its medicinal value long before it became a regulated industry.

As we gather at this pivotal moment in our regulatory journey, we move beyond policy into meaningful reform, ensuring that our framework is not only robust but inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the realities of our people.

Taken together, these amendments represent a comprehensive effort to remove barriers, expand participation, and improve efficiency across the cannabis value chain.

I must also thank the Board of Directors, stakeholder groups, Ganja Growers and Producers Associations, Chairpersons and especially the licensees who have been vocal in identifying the changes needed to strengthen this emerging and culturally significant industry.

We recognise that the cannabis industry is more than just an emerging market. It is a vehicle for economic empowerment, job creation, scientific advancement, and social equity. For generations, many have advocated for a fair and inclusive approach to cannabis. Today, we are not only listening we are acting.

Our government is committed to building a regulatory framework that is transparent, efficient, and supportive of businesses. We aim to strike the right balance: ensuring public safety while fostering innovation and investment.

Through strengthened policies and streamlined processes, we are working to remove unnecessary barriers and create an environment where entrepreneurs, farmers, researchers, and investors can thrive.

We also understand that the success of this industry must be inclusive. Small farmers, traditional cultivators, and local communities must have a seat at the table. Our policies are designed to ensure that the benefits of this industry are widely shared and that no one is left behind.

Education and research remain central to our approach. By supporting scientific study and public awareness, we aim to unlock the full medicinal, therapeutic, research and industrial potential of cannabis, while ensuring responsible use and informed decision-making.

Furthermore, we are actively engaging with international partners to position our country as a competitive and respected player in the global cannabis market. With the right standards, quality assurance, and innovation, we can expand our reach beyond our borders and bring our products to the world stage.

I would like to underscore the point that this government is committed not only to the growth of the cannabis industry, but to its integrity. We will continue to enforce strong regulatory oversight to prevent misuse, protect consumers, and uphold the rule of law.

These amendments provide Jamaicans with alternative and sustainable avenues for enterprise beyond traditional industries, while supporting the development of emerging roles within the cannabis value chain, including cultivation specialists, trimmers, packagers, extraction technicians, and other key professionals.

Importantly, this reform further strengthens Jamaica’s overall business environment by widening access, encouraging formalisation, and improving ease of participation within a regulated sector. This is a clear demonstration that the Government is not only regulating the industry but actively enabling its expansion and ensuring that more Jamaicans can benefit from its growth. In this regard, we call on all stakeholders to lend their support as we continue building a transparent, inclusive and competitive industry.

The Cannabis Licensing Authority stands ready, equipped with the technical expertise, regulatory experience, and institutional knowledge necessary to implement these reforms effectively and serve the people of Jamaica.

As we look ahead, our vision for Jamaica’s medicinal cannabis industry is one that is fully mature, globally competitive, and deeply integrated into our national development strategy. Over the next five to ten years, we see an industry that is not only exporting high quality Jamaican cannabis products to regulated markets around the world, but one that is also driving rural transformation, scientific research, and innovation in wellness, pharmaceuticals, and medicinal tourism.

We envision a growing sector that attracts visitors seeking regulated wellness experiences, research engagement, and culturally rooted therapeutic offerings, further strengthening Jamaica’s position as a distinctive destination in the global wellness economy. At the same time, we anticipate stronger participation from small farmers and community-based enterprises, supported by a streamlined and efficient regulatory system, alongside a thriving ecosystem of local entrepreneurs, researchers, and value-added producers.

Most importantly, we see an industry that has moved decisively from promise to performance, where Jamaicans at every level are able to benefit from its growth, and where Jamaica is recognized not just for its heritage in this space, but for setting the global standard in a well-regulated, inclusive, and sustainable cannabis industry.

With these landmark amendments, Jamaica continues to position itself ahead of the curve in the Caribbean and indeed among small developing nations globally, as we build a cannabis industry that is inclusive, competitive, and sustainable for generations to come.

Thank you.