Medicinal cannabis industry will be limited to exportation and will not affect domestic prohibition - Kamikamica

As public consultations on the establishment of a medicinal cannabis industry in Fiji begins next week, Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica has stressed that it will be limited to exportation only and will not affect the domestic prohibition or legality of cannabis cultivation, distribution and abuse in Fiji.

While speaking during a press conference this morning, Kamikamica says the intention is to allow reputable existing operators to build a ring-fenced confined extraction and manufacturing facility in Fiji.

He adds this is to facilitate the process of ensuring Fiji can deliver value-added medicinal products for exports only.

He further says the Medicinal Cannabis Taskforce and the Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, SMEs and Communications are spearheading a comprehensive feasibility study to establish the industry in Fiji for export to provide an opportunity for Fiji to diversify the economy and a new source of income for economic expansion.

Kamikamica says this is a priority of the Fiji Government and the taskforce along with the Ministry are inviting members of the public, relevant industries, non-government organisations, civil society organisations, communities and other stakeholders to a nationwide public consultation for the establishment of this industry in Fiji.

Kamikamica says the cabinet supported the formation of the taskforce to develop the feasibility study, propose amendments to existing legislation and conduct consultations nationwide.

He says the taskforce comprises the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration, the Fiji Police Force, the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, Culture and Heritage and Arts, Biosecurity of Fiji and Investment Fiji, to name a few.

He adds a collective effort to amplify and encourage valuable contributions to achieve this vision is encouraged and the government desires to see this initiative not only promote diversification in the economy but also unlock untapped potential and generate new avenues for growth and a new Fiji.

Kamikamica says submissions have been received by the Ministry already and they are anticipating more submissions during the consultations.

He says the taskforce is committed to collaborating with relevant Ministries, agencies and institutions that share the common goal of fortifying and advancing Fiji’s economy by looking into innovative industries supporting long-term employment opportunities and instilling environmentally sustainable practices.

The nationwide public consultations will be held for two weeks which will commence from Monday to the 19th of this month.