Member of Parliament Mike Henry, a long time advocate for decriminalization of ganja, says it is full time Jamaicans capitalize on the plant’s commercial potential.
According to Henry, given the country’s ties to Rasta and reggae, documentation should have been on the books long ago.
“Ganja must be registered worldwide under the Indigenous Cultural Act…Jamaica would earn from it,” he told the OBSERVER ONLINE. “Whether we like to hear it or not, Rasta, reggae and Jamaica are synonymous.”
Henry, the minister of transport, sits on Parliament’s Joint Select Committee on the Report of the National Commission on Ganja.
Henry has consistently opposed recreational ganja smoking, but supports its use for medicinal and religious purposes.His son, Nicky Henry, is drummer for roots-reggae band Mystic Revealers which is looking to launch a company that manufactures ganja-based products.
In October 2014, the Jamaican government made its first steps to decriminalize ganja. In April last year, legislation was passed in the Senate allowing individuals to use small amounts of ganja without being prosecuted.
Last November, the annual Cannabis Cup was held in Negril. Recognized as the largest ganja event of its kind globally, it attracted hundreds of patrons, including government ministers and prospective investors in a Jamaican ganja industry.
By Howard Campbell
You must log in to post a comment.