Sunday, February 23, 2014

PAULWELL TELLS GANJA TASKFORCE THAT DECRIMINALISATION IS ON FOR THIS YEAR

Just received this press release ...
February 23, 2014
Minister of Science, Technology, Energy & Mining Phillip Paulwell
Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining and Leader of Government Business in the House of Representatives, Mr. Phillip Paulwell told members of the Cannabis Commercial and Medicinal Research Taskforce (CCMRT) that ganja will be decriminalized in Jamaica this year and emphasized that Jamaica cannot be allowed to be left behind on the issue. He also reiterated the multiple economic, social and cultural benefits that Jamaica stands to gain if the laws are adjusted sooner rather than later. He made the comments last Thursday evening while addressing the group at the PCJ Auditorium in New Kingston.
Prof. Archibald McDonald
Taskforce Chair Prof Archibald McDonald
The Cannabis Commercial and Medicinal Research Taskforce comprise the Ganja Law Reform Coalition, the National Alliance for the Legalization of Ganja and several members of civil society. The group is chaired by University of the West Indies, Mona Principal Professor Archibald McDonald. Other leading Ganja Law Reform advocates sitting on the Taskforce include Paul Chang, Paul Burke and Delano Seiveright.
The meeting of the Taskforce also discussed the official launch of the Ganja Future Growers and Producers Association in Kingston next month. The Taskforce emphasized that compulsory condition of involvement will see to it that members sign a declaration contained in their membership form that they will not take any part, directly or indirectly, in the growing / cultivation of ganja until there is a legal and regulated framework in place.

Also discussed at the meeting were the objectives of the Association, which include:
        a.            To represent the best interests of the various stakeholders, giving primacy of place to the traditional ganja cultivator for a specified period.
                b.            To lobby the Government of Jamaica for the establishment of a properly regulated cannabis industry in all aspects, cultivation, agro processing, medicinal and its many and varied by-products.
                c.             To promote control, education and taxation as important planks of a regulated cannabis industry.
                d.            To provide relevant and timely information and technological support, aimed at growing the industry, bring prosperity to members and other stakeholders and increased revenue to the government.
The Taskforce is scheduled to meet within the next two weeks to sign off on plans to officially launch the Ganja Future Growers and Producers Association.
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For more information contact:
Delano Seiveright
Director
Tel: 809-2906
at

1 comment:

  1. Top notch LandscapingFebruary 26, 2014 at 4:51 PM

    Government as Entrepreneurs: Savings from a Regulated Marijuana Market in
    Jamaica

    Governments acting as entrepreneurs are reflected in their ability to act in new and innovative ways
    and their willingness to undertake policy actions that have uncertain outcomes. One of such policy actions that have far-reaching entrepreneurial effects is whether or not to regulate the marijuana market. This paper examines the savings that could be accrued if the marijuana market in Jamaica was regulated- savings from the Constabulary and Correctional Services departments with the elimination of enforcement costs, as well as income that could be earned if marijuana was taxed like other goods. This paper estimates that in 2011 enforcement costs (marijuana arrests, prosecutions and incarceration expenses) in Jamaica were approximately J$12.2 billion in
    government expenditure; between J$473 million - J$665 million annually could be earned if marijuana was taxed like normal goods and between J$1.5 billion – J$2.3 billion if marijuana was taxed at rates similar to those on cigarettes and alcohol. An additional US$14 billion could be earned if companies were allowed to export marijuana and then were taxed. This paper will contribute additional knowledge on the value of marijuana production in Jamaica, in terms of the
    amount of revenues that can be earned from the export of marijuana. It will also discuss the implications for both future academic research and public policy.
    Keywords: Government as entrepreneurs, regulated marijuana market

    http://sbaer.uca.edu/research/ICSB/2013/65.pdf

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