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Jamaica Ganja Growers Fear Cheap Weed Hooking Minors
🇯🇲 Jamaica /Economy & Trade

Jamaica Ganja Growers Fear Cheap Weed Hooking Minors

From Jamaica Observer · (1d ago) English Critical tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Ganja growers in St. Mary, Jamaica, are concerned about low-priced marijuana being sold to minors.
  • The St. Mary Ganja Growers’ and Producers’ Association is seeking meetings with the National Council on Drug Abuse and local police to discuss licensing and public education.
  • Reports indicate vendors are mixing marijuana with other substances and selling it at discounted prices to students to create repeat clients.

From the heart of St. Mary, Jamaica, a shadow looms over our vibrant ganja industry. Reports of cheap, possibly adulterated marijuana being peddled to our youth from within the Highgate and Port Maria markets have sent shockwaves through the community. Errol Haughton, chairman of the St. Mary Ganja Growers’ and Producers’ Association, voices a sentiment shared by many: alarm and a desperate need for action.

We are shocked and alarmed by these reports.

— Errol HaughtonChairman of the St. Mary Ganja Growers’ and Producers’ Association, reacting to reports of low-priced marijuana being sold to minors.

This isn't just about unregulated sales; it's about the potential corruption of our young minds and the exploitation of a substance that holds significant cultural and economic importance for Jamaica. Haughton's call for dialogue with the National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA) and Superintendent Anthony Wallace underscores a critical need for clarity on the licensing process and a robust public education strategy. We need to understand the NCDA's plans, especially concerning minors, and how they intend to differentiate between responsible adult use and the predatory practices now reportedly plaguing our markets.

The meeting with both entities is to provide more information on the licensing process for distribution [of what] will soon be a rescheduled substance to find out if what is described as a drug crisis in the parish refers substantially to ganja; and to find out what is the NCDA’s plan to educate the public – especially minors.

— Errol HaughtonExplaining the purpose of his planned meetings with the NCDA and parish superintendent.

The Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) has a crucial role, and its yearly contributions to the NCDA highlight the interconnectedness of regulation and public awareness. While the NCDA is engaged in "No Smoking, No Gambling" campaigns in schools, the urgency of this specific ganja-related issue demands a tailored and immediate response. We are not just talking about a "drug crisis"; we are talking about safeguarding our future generation and ensuring the integrity of our burgeoning cannabis sector. The community awaits Superintendent Wallace's findings with bated breath.

The goal is to convert them into repeat clients.

— Erica Bennett-HaughtonNCDA parish coordinator, describing the alleged strategy of vendors selling discounted marijuana to students.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jamaica Observer in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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