KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) has issued 160 multiple-category licenses as of September 2023, Industry, Investment, and Commerce Minister Aubyn Hill has said.
Speaking at the three-day CanEx Jamaica Business Conference at the Montego Bay Convention Centre that ended on Sunday, he said this signifies continued expansion and development of Jamaica’s growing cannabis industry.
“The number of cultivator licenses granted by the category includes 35 tier-1 cultivator’s licenses, 23 tier-2 cultivator’s licenses, and 12 tier-3 cultivator’s licenses.
“The number of processing licenses granted included 12 tier-1 processing licenses and two tier-2 processing licenses. The number of retailer licenses granted by category includes 63 retail and herb house licenses,” he added.
Additionally, the CLA granted five research and development experimental licenses and eight transport licenses, enabling the safe and regulated movement of cannabis products nationwide.
Hill said the sector provides more opportunities for further exploration through legislation and regulatory frameworks.
“The laws and policies that prescribe the CLA’s work are consistently under review, such as the amendments to the interim regulations that will make provisions for, among other things, the delivery of medicinal cannabis licenses to carry out all normal business activities during an extension period and more,” Hill explained.
Additionally, he said that the pending promulgation of the Dangerous Drugs Cannabis Noncommercial Authorisation Regulations, once enacted, will empower the CLA to issue permits for the display of cannabis at exhibitions.
Hill said these regulations will contribute to the industry’s growth and expand opportunities for cannabis enthusiasts and entrepreneurs.
As the Caribbean’s premier Cannabis and Psychedelics Conference and Wellness Expo, CanEx hosted global leaders focused on developing an international platform connecting global industry players with the common goal of expanding the cannabis and psychedelics industries.
The event brought together delegates from the Caribbean, United States, Canada, Africa, South and Central America, Europe, and Australia, who engaged in high-value industry discussions on policy, research, and business.