Seiveright: Jamaican cannabis ready for expanding regional, international markets

WESTERN BUREAU:

Delano Seiveright, the state minister in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC), says Jamaica’s regulated cannabis industry is gaining traction as with 196 licences issued since the framework was established, the country is well placed to tap into expanding regional and international markets.

Seiveright made the disclosure following a walkthrough and working visit to the offices of the Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) earlier this week, where he met with Chief Executive Officer Farrah Blake, senior managers, and staff across departments. The CLA is one of several agencies under the MIIC portfolio.

Seiveright, who previously played a leading role in cannabis law reform, said the licences span cultivation, processing, retail, transport, research, and ancillary services, with additional applications now at various stages of approval.

In commending the Authority for improving its operational efficiency, Seiveright noted the shorter turnaround times for approvals and strengthened post-licensing oversight, including increased compliance visits, remote monitoring of licensed activities, and tighter tracking across the supply chain.

“These operational improvements are translating into a more responsive regulator, which is critical for investor confidence and sector maturity,” said Seiveright.

While acknowledging that exports remain in an early “teething” phase, he stressed that Jamaica’s long-term prospects are strong, pointing to growing regional trade interest, the country’s agronomic reputation, expanding processing capacity, and the global appeal of Brand Jamaica.

Seiveright said Jamaica has already begun limited exports within the Caribbean, adding that future growth would depend on regulatory alignment, logistics readiness, and access to overseas markets.

In referencing shifting global policy signals, including recent executive actions in the United States aimed at reforming aspects of federal cannabis law, Seiveright said it could eventually ease barriers to research collaboration, banking access, and international trade.

“Any meaningful shift in major markets has implications for Jamaica’s export potential and investor confidence. We are watching these developments carefully and positioning Jamaica to benefit responsibly and compliantly,” he said.

Seiveright went on to praise Blake and the CLA team for modernising internal systems, strengthening stakeholder engagement, and improving guidance to applicants while noting that the sector continued to face geopolitical uncertainty, persistent banking challenges, and uneven global regulation.

Seiveright also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment, through the MIIC, to strengthening the regulatory ecosystem, expanding public education about the legal cannabis framework, and supporting the development of export-ready, high-value products aligned with Brand Jamaica’s reputation for quality, integrity, and innovation.

albert.ferguson@gleanerjm.com