Jamaican university signs MOU on ganja research
(CNS): The University of Technology in Jamaica has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ganja Labs in the US, with plans to partner with the Colorado-based firm on the science, technology and best practice in the cultivation of medicinal marijuana. According to the Jamaican press, the collaboration will involve development of a multi-million dollar specialist laboratory and high-tech indoor and outdoor greenhouse facilities at the campus.
As legislation in Jamaica paves the way for the country to lead the legal ganja sector in the Caribbean, the project will assist licensed growers on the island with state-of-the-art technology and control regimens for marijuana cultivation by the rural small farmers who will participate in the emerging industry.
Acting president of UTech, Ambassador Burchell Whiteman, said the partnership was “an opportunity for UTech and Jamaica’s development”. The goal, he explained, was to provide the best scientific and technological guidance to those who will produce the raw material for the new sector.
“This will ensure that Jamaica is competitive and has necessary compliant arrangements in place for production and medicinal use, with the necessary quality assurance,” he said.
The university is preparing itself to be a major researcher and developer in Jamaica’s medicinal marijuana industry and to play a leading role in the application of science and technology in the development of the raw material for its marijuana research.
Dr Claire Sutherland, senior director of international and institutional links at UTech, added that the collaboration would allow the college to determine different unique marijuana strains that can be produced in the Jamaican environment, enlarging the internationally recognised brand Jamaica.
“This partnership will ultimately have a positive influence on the livelihood and knowledge of small rural farmers by making knowledge of international best practices and standards available to them in this emerging legal environment and regulated industry in Jamaica,” she said.
As the government positions the country for participation in the global nutraceutical market, Jamaica is expected to enjoy job and economic growth as it positions itself to take advantage of the changing world view on the drug.
Category: Caribbean, Health, Medical Health, World News
Let us worry about lighting up a split, not education and employment. This is a hot topic for the younger generations. How sad this is that this is a real focus.
Meanwhile in Cayman we are convicting persons for simple possession and consumption. Registering criminal records against these folks and having them carry the record for their entire life. Taking away chances for employment and overseas university. When will the police and LA get together to fix these Draconian laws? However they want to approach this be it decriminalization/legalization is better then what we have now.
Good weed grown in the ground and under the sun beats the overpowering hydro any day. Hydro is much stronger but natural is much better. For caribbean folks anyway.
I don’t understand how radio discussions about this topic are supposed to be fair and balanced. They are asking the public to call in and identify themselves if they break the law! That’s rule number one if your trying to stay under the radar. All the callers are against and it gives a false image of the public.
Meanwhile in Cayman, we can’t even bear to look outside our cave at this one much less even organize a civilized discussion about it. Religion is our opiate and we are not about to let any other drug threaten that, perhaps of course alcohol. Keep drinking this wine and you will be saved, for the museum of society that is.
The US is 30 years ahead in technology in agricultural and that gap only gets larger each year. Head Shops in Colorado produce 100s of varieties and people can grow their own genetic strains now in their back-yards, this not like growing tobacco. The Jamaican Tech will get outdated technology. Jamaica missed the boat, if they had tried this 20 years ago, they would have had a market. Now Jamaican weed is considered to harsh given all the other emerging brands in the US. Don’t expect their product to be exported much. Better hire a good marketing team and a nice green and yellow label.