State Minister for Industry, Investment and Commerce Delano Seiveright is urging cannabis cultivators to exercise good judgement and always verify information with the Cannabis Licensing Authority before investing money, signing agreements or committing land.

He was speaking at the Cannabis Licensing Authority’s islandwide Special Cannabis Permit Road Tour in Newell, St. Elizabeth.

He noted that the tour is designed to ensure cultivators receive accurate information directly from the regulator, understand Jamaica’s cannabis laws and avoid falling victim to misinformation, scams and illegal schemes.

Mr. Seiveright said as Jamaica’s regulated medicinal cannabis industry continues to expand so too will rumours, misinformation and individuals seeking to exploit traditional growers and prospective investors.

The minister warned that not everything promoted on social media, WhatsApp or by self-proclaimed industry experts is operating within the law.

Meanwhile, the State Minister pointed out that the reforms now being rolled out across the sector will result in greater accessibility for individuals.

The reforms include the Cultivator’s (Transitional) Special Permit and the Special Community Permit.

Other reforms include longer permit tenures for cultivators, a standardised permit extension process, employee identification provisions and a legal framework for cannabis delivery services – all aimed at making the regulatory framework more efficient while expanding lawful participation.