At least one player in the hemp industry is calling for the government to be consistent in its policy surrounding the product.
Gary Burke, Managing Director of Hemp Yard, says while he can import and sell hemp products, he is not allowed to grow the plant locally without restrictions.
He is calling for that policy to be amended to allow him and other investors to exploit the plant for industrial purposes.
“(We’re) not doing any kind of growing or manufacturing locally. In the not too distant future, once things are formalised from a policy framework end, we can probably consider doing that. But for the time being what we have to do is be importing these products and making it readily available to customers here in Jamaica and possibly CARICOM,” he shared.
Hemp can produce up to 25,000 products, and according to Mr. Burke, it is illogical to block the growth of the plant locally, while its by-products can be imported for distribution.
