In a bold address aimed at reviving Jamaica’s ganja industry, People’s National Party (PNP) President Mark Golding pledged significant reforms should his party regain power. Speaking at the launch of the PNP’s new St. James Central constituency office, Golding criticized the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) for what he described as the mishandling of the legal cannabis sector, promising to redirect focus toward small-scale farmers and sustainable development.
Golding’s vision for the ganja industry is deeply rooted in his 2015 reforms to the Dangerous Drugs Act, which decriminalized personal use of marijuana and acknowledged the religious and cultural rights of the Rastafarian community to grow and use the plant for sacramental purposes. He emphasized that these changes laid the groundwork for a vibrant medical cannabis industry that could bring economic benefits to local farmers and communities.
“Under this administration, the ganja industry has struggled to thrive. The JLP’s mismanagement has stifled what should have been an opportunity for Jamaica’s small farmers to generate wealth legally,” Golding declared to enthusiastic supporters. “We need to overhaul the system entirely, ensuring that those who have long carried the burden of prohibition can finally reap the benefits in this new era.”
Golding outlined his plan to create an industry that provides legitimate opportunities for small farmers, many of whom, he noted, have been pioneers in the ganja trade long before legalization. By fostering a more inclusive and effective system, he believes Jamaica can capitalize on international markets that are increasingly opening up to cannabis products.
His remarks come as the PNP ramps up its election campaign in St. James Central, where Janice Allen, a PNP senator, is gearing up to challenge the JLP’s Heroy Clarke in the next general election. Clarke has held the seat since 2016, but Allen is positioning herself as a fresh alternative for the constituency.
With cannabis reform high on the PNP’s agenda, Golding hopes to appeal to Jamaica’s rural communities and small-scale growers, promising that under his leadership, the legal ganja industry will be a source of economic empowerment for those who have long been marginalized. The PNP’s proposed overhaul aims to ensure that the local ganja industry can compete globally, with the potential to generate jobs, boost tourism, and create new revenue streams for the island’s economy.
