50 percent of ownership of the medicinal cannabis industry should be reserved for locals and 50 percent of raw materials should be sourced locally.
This was highlighted by Suva resident Ponipate Ravula while speaking at the first consultation for the establishment if a medicinal cannabis industry held at the Epworth Hall in Suva this morning.
Ravula says it is important to involve local farmers who have been in the industry for years and if only foreign investors are involved, it would be hard for local farmers to join in later when the industry flourishes.
He says we also cannot go forward with this if we do not know what is happening in the dark side of drugs in the country.
He adds whenever there is a marijuana raid in the country, the number of methamphetamine users grow.
The Suva resident says the government should use the knowledge from farmers in Cakaudrove, Kadavu, Bua and other areas to join this initiative at the foundation.
He says these farmers have been planting this for years and have benefited their families, communities and the vanua as a whole.
Ravula says 80 to 90 percent of those involved in the marijuana trade and cultivation are i-Taukeis, so government should not look at locals as inexperience in this field but use it to its benefit.
He adds with the government support and training, locals can compete with international businesses.
Ravula also questioned the Government if they will change the law to assist local farmers because 100 percent ownership of this business will be foreign investors.
While responding to the submission, Permanent Secretary for Trade, Shaheen Ali says the Taskforce will take note of the submission.
He says they are here to take the views of the people on the establishment of this new industry.
The consultation will continue today at Youth Training Centre in Valelevu from 2pm to 4pm and at the UN Nausori Women's Accommodation from 5pm to 7pm.
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