The Government of Jamaica is pursuing the imminent establishment of a hemp industry, designed to exploit the huge potential of the versatile plant.
Changes to the Dangerous Drugs Act were recently announced to decriminalise the possession and smoking of small quantities of the related marijuana (ganja) plant and for its use in medicinal research.
But according to Anthony Hylton, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, the benefits to be derived from promoting the many uses of hemp will not be ignored.
“The interest there is huge; the investment possibility is significant and we have to get the regulations correct, because the secret to that is having the balance and the proper regulations in place. So we are focused on that,” the Minister said, while addressing the annual general meeting of the Jamaica Manufacturers Associatio in Kingston on Wednesday.
Hemp vs Ganja
Hemp and Ganja both come from the same plant – Cannabis Sativa L. Hemp, used in industrial applications, contains only about 0.3% – 1.5% THC (Tetrahydrocannabinoids, the intoxicating ingredients that provides the high smokers crave) while the ganja that is commonly smoked contains about 5% – 10% or more THC.
Hemp fibre is said to be the longest, strongest and most durable of all natural fibres. It was used for thousands of years in many parts of the world, including Jamaica, before falling out of favour in some places like the United States (because of its association with marijuana) which influenced its decline here as well.
Hemp is said to produce four times as much fibre per acre as pine trees and is used to make a wide variety of products, including paper, textiles, ropes, even building materials. It is an important source of biomass for fuel and is used to make a clean burning ethanol.
The seed and seed-oil from hemp are high in protein, essential fatty and amino acids, and vitamins.
SOURCES: hempethics.weebly.com/industrial-hemp-vs-cannabis.html
www.naihc.org/hemp_information/content/hemp.mj.html
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Jamaica seeking to establish Hemp industry - Hylton
