PR – In keeping with the transformative policy of the government to legalise cannabis within a legal and regulatory framework, develop the cannabis industry, and maximise the potential of hemp and its by-products, the Government has established a Commission on Cannabis Legalisation and Regulation.
The Commission is mandated to:
∙ Hold broad based consultations and engage in public awareness on the policy decision to legalise cannabis within a legal and regulatory framework, to develop cannabis industries and to maximize the potential of hemp and its by-product.
∙ Prepare a final report with advice on the design of a new legislative and regulatory framework to legalise cannabis within a legal and regulatory framework for its production and sale; Develop the cannabis industry for medicinal benefits; and to maximise the potential of hemp and its by-products for export.
∙ Provide recommendations on the institutional structure for the implementation of the provisions of the legislation to legalise cannabis within a legal and regulatory framework in keeping with the policy decision of the Government.
Former Senator Rolanda McQueen has been appointed Chairman of the Commission which comprises members with expertise in law, medicine, religion, business, youth development, and service providers in non-government organizations. The other members of the Commission are: ∙ Mr. Vincent Roberts
∙ Mr. Kennedy Roberts
∙ Mr. Anslem Clouden Representing the Ministry of Legal Affairs
∙ Ms. Janis Lessey
∙ Ms. Alison Haynes – Ag. Chief Agronomist
∙ A representative of the ministry of health/ medical council
∙ A representative of the Rastafarian religious community
∙ Mr. Irwin Henry – Chief Analytical Chemist Produce Chemist Laboratory ∙ Superintendent Vannie Curwen representing the Royal Grenada Police Force ∙ Community representatives from Civil Society Organizations and the Grenada
Conference of Churches
The Minister and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Forestry, Fisheries and Co-operative are ex-officio members of the Commission.
The Commission held its first meeting on 20th September 2022 and is expected to complete its assignment over a period of fourteen months.
The establishment of the Commission on Cannabis Legalisation and Regulation is another of the steps taken by the Government towards the realization of the transformative agenda within the agriculture sector.
Additionally, on Friday, 16th September 2022, the Minister for Agriculture convened and held a successful meeting with the recently formed Innovative and Transformational Agriculture Policy Committee (ITAPC). This consultative committee is to supplement the skills, knowledge and experience that are currently deficient in the Ministry of Agriculture at this time due to the high number of vacant technical position. The members of the Committee are:
∙ Senator Adrian Thomas
∙ Mr. Aaron Francois
∙ Mrs. Gemma Bain-Thomas
∙ Mr. Cecil Winsborrow
∙ Mr. Ronald O’Neale
∙ Dr. Tessa Barry
∙ Mr. Justin Rennie
∙ Mr. Orlando Romain
∙ Mr. Garvyn Pierre
∙ Ms. Kizzy Rennie
∙ Mr. Brendon LaTouché
∙ Mr. Daniel Lewis
∙ Mr. Leonard St. Bernard
The Ministry is working assiduously to recruit and bring on board at least four technical specialists who would complement the existing staff in the areas of i. agriculture; ii. Fisheries, marine resources, and the blue economy; iii. Agro-processing and agri-business; and iv. land management.
Government is committed to the implementation of its transformative agenda and the realization of its transformative goals within the agriculture sector and the country.
