Public consultations next week – for the establishment of medicinal cannabis designed purely for export – will steer the direction the country will take on the matter.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica said plans were in place to set up an industry for medical marijuana as a source of economic opportunities for Fiji.
Mr Kamikamica said introducing medicinal cannabis for export, would not legitimise its production, distribution or abuse in Fiji.
“We’re here to ensure that when we launch any industry, in this case medicinal cannabis, we try to advance the interests of the Fijian economy; in looking at innovative ways of supporting long-term employment and growth of a country that is done responsibly,” he said.
Mr Kamikamica noted that this development should allow reputable existing operators to build a ring-fenced confined extraction and manufacturing facility to process value-added medicinal products for export only.
Taskforce
A national Medicinal Cannabis Taskforce, supported by Cabinet, will oversee a feasibility study to develop an export-ready medicinal cannabis industry in Fiji.
It is also expected to consider amendments to relevant legislation.
Fiji had received interest from investors from Australia and New Zealand, Mr Kamikamica said.
“There will be an opportunity for employment,” he said.
“It is such a large industry now globally; we hope Fiji can participate for another line of export into the global market.”
BDSA – Cannabis Data Company forecasts cannabis sales globally of US$55 billion (FJ$125.06bn) in 2027.
Schedule
Public consultations will take place over four dates in locations around the country.
As a member of the national taskforce, Investment Fiji is working with the Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications in this endeavour.
“This industry is experiencing significant growth and Fiji’s favourable climate and geographical locations have the potential to help it become a significant player in the global medicinal cannabis market,” Investment Fiji chief executive officer Kamal Chetty.
Mr Chetty said Investment Fiji and the taskforce were moving to create a mechanism to allow experienced investors to produce medicinal cannabis.
Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services Dr James Fong said: “If you go back in history, medicinal cannabis has existed as a form of therapy.
“Now, we understand its medicinal impact, we are getting more studies to support the fact that it relieves a lot of symptoms in those with chronic illness.”
Mr Fong said cannabis had become a treatment of choice for many.
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