Will Jamaica's medical cannabis market benefit everyone?

The Jamaican government expects to make $20 billion a year from its legal «made in Jamaica» cannabis industry. Yet this green-gold market seems to be reserved for a small group of growers. Of the 180,000 registered farmers, only 25 have been licensed to grow medical cannabis.

Growers' fears

According to Simon Jones of Writtle University College A large number of small farmers are sceptical about the political statements which promise profits for all. People are afraid that this industry will be exported and sold at such a high price on Jamaican soil.»

For each acre (4046 square meters) of legal cannabis cultivation, the grower must pay 300$ in application fees, plus an annual license fee of 2000$. To this must be added the upgrading of existing infrastructures to meet hygiene standards and the securing of the site, which can cost up to 10,000$.

According to The Guardian, Farmers», Rastafarians« and herbalists» associations have mobilized to get things moving. Basil Hylton, president of one of these associations, reflects on the general perception of the situation: »It's the powerful who are profiting, and this is causing a serious problem in Jamaica. They want to copy the American system and use it in Jamaica, and that's why real ganja growers aren't part of the process. You can't just plant anything and say it's for medicinal use: it has to be standardized, and costs are at the heart of the issues."

Of the 2,000 farmers in Hyton's association, not one has initialed a contract with the government.» To get a contract, you need title deeds, access to capital and again the costs are prohibitive. I think the government is starting to see the problem.

Joining forces to exploit multiple licenses

The Ganja growers are trying a new approach, grouping together: »We've formed a group to apply for a license. None of us wants to be outlawed. But for a small farmer like me, the costs are insurmountable on their own. What's more, the government doesn't help us modernize our crops. Where do we buy fencing? Who will transport our crops? And above all, who will we sell them to?» asks Hylton.

In his revolt, he also attacks foreign companies: »The Americans and Canadians want to set up here. Then they'll recruit the small farmers paid minimum wage. People don't want that, they want to live happily and independently.»