The Big Business of Legal Cannabis in Jamaica

The Jamaican government has had a fairly troubled relationship with cannabis over the years. The Rastafarians in Jamaica use cannabis in their religious ceremonies and have always promoted its use. However, the government was opposed to its use until a few years ago when it realized the impact legalization could have on its economy. This caused it to relax its restrictions.

Jamaica is one of the poorest countries in the Caribbean and relaxing the laws has opened up new opportunities for entrepreneurs that could make a difference. HERBS (Health Education Research of Botanical Sciences) is one of the companies taking advantage of the changes.

Great location

Jamaica has a long history of cannabis cultivation, and one of the best growing areas is in Orange Hills, a mountainous area in the Westmoreland region. HERBS is located in Savanna-la-Mar, the largest city in Westmoreland.

HERBS released this video tour which shows that construction has started on the property in Savanna-la-Mar. It will be enclosed with a stone and barbed wire security wall and have CCTV surveillance. One of the first goals is to construct a greenhouse for hybrids and to purchase an extraction machine.

The property was an old trout farm, so there are canals for irrigation and access to one of the largest rivers in Jamaica. It is a zoned for special economic use and offers a tax-free investment.

Another benefit is that it is situated close to various tourist hubs. Its retail outlet, Herb House, will be able to cater to 100 clients who will have the option of consuming cannabis products on site.

Consistent, high-quality cultivation

HERBS CEO Anthony Bailey says that high-quality tissue cultures will be sourced in Holland to make sure that the best, most consistent quality crops are grown. They will be grown as naturally as possible, using organic nutrients. Scalability is possible, and this can be done without compromising consistency.

License imminent

Final approval of a license is imminent. It will cover five areas: cultivation, processing, transporting, retailing and R&D. The Cannabis Licensing Authority in Jamaica has simplified the application process considerably because it wants in on the economic benefits.

Health, education, and research

The use of medical cannabis offers a life-changing alternative to those who suffer serious side effects when taking traditional medicines or do not respond to them at all. For decades the international ban on the production and use of cannabis meant that legitimate research into potential medical use was restricted. This kept cultivation in the hands of illegal growers and distribution in the hands of criminals.

As attitudes toward cannabis and laws change, more clinical trials are able to take place. There is growing evidence of its efficacy in treating epilepsy, migraines, cancer and many other conditions. Further education is needed to help to change negative attitudes toward cannabis and enlighten people about its benefits.

HERBS and Evergreen Cannabis, both owned by David Berry, a Canadian entrepreneur, will help to supply the need for high quality, consistently grown cannabis and continue educating people about its benefits. Developing strategic relationships with other entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry is another goal.

A startup in Canada

Another entrepreneur who has taken advantage of changing legislation is Ross Rebagliati, who won Olympic gold as a snowboarder. He has established a new cannabis company called Ross’ Gold. As soon as the federal government legalizes cannabis, he plans to stock the shelves of his store in Kelowna. The concept for this store is like that of a high-end wine store, and his goal is to establish a chain of stores across the country and beyond.

An Organic Grow System

The Destiny Organic Grow System has been developed and perfected over a period of 25 years. This system is available throughout North America and is revolutionizing indoor medical cannabis production. It provides a cost-effective, simple method for cultivating excellent, high-yielding cannabis organically.

The future in Jamaica

As local businesses in Jamaica begin making money from legal cannabis sales, the government is likely to consider changing the laws even more. Jamaica can’t fully legalize cannabis at this stage, or it violates the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. It is likely to continue reducing punishments, recognizing more exceptions and creating further opportunities.