Fiji eyes medical cannabis for export

The Fijian government is seeking to generate additional sources of revenue, and the creation of a medical cannabis industry is on its list of potential options to replace a tourism industry that has been hard hit by COVID.

«Relying solely on tourism is not sustainable for our economy,» said Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica. «We must explore new avenues to generate revenue and diversify our economy. The cultivation of medical cannabis is a promising area that we are considering.».

Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica clarified that such a venture would not take place in an unregulated environment and that the legalization of cannabis for recreational use was certainly not on the agenda. Moreover, the medical cannabis grown as part of this initiative would not be intended for domestic use.

«It is essential to understand that this activity will be strictly regulated and confined to secure facilities. There will be no local sales or marketing; the products will be harvested, processed, and exported.»

This prospect has already caught the attention of pharmaceutical companies, one of which is also interested in the export potential of traditional Fijian medicine (Wai Vaka Viti) to international markets.

«This initiative goes beyond simply generating revenue; it is an opportunity to create jobs, strengthen our economy, and potentially improve the lives of those in need,», said Mr. Kamikamica.

One of the next steps will be to organize nationwide consultations to allow the country’s citizens to provide input that will help shape the future of medical cannabis in Fiji.

In the same vein, It was only last year that legislative changes have permitted the importation, possession, cultivation, sale, and supply of industrial hemp in Fiji, defined as cannabis with a THC concentration not exceeding 1%.

Fiji's President, Wiliame Katonivere, strongly supported Exploring the Potential of Hemp and stated in 2021 that the country «must not hesitate» to capitalize on its economic advantages.