February 23, 2014
Minister of Science, Technology, Energy & Mining Phillip Paulwell |
Taskforce Chair Prof Archibald McDonald |
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.# # #
For more information contact:
Delano Seiveright
Director
Tel: 809-2906
Government as Entrepreneurs: Savings from a Regulated Marijuana Market in
ReplyDeleteJamaica
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