Minister of Industry and Agriculture Audley Shaw says Jamaica is lagging behind in the cannabis industry, despite having the best marijuana species.
Mr. Shaw says several other countries around the world are making billions of dollars from marijuana and its by-products but Jamaica is sitting idle because of regulations.
The minister is scheduled to meet with players in the Cannabis Industry in Canada this week, for discussions on the economic benefits of the plant and its by-products.
Mr. Shaw also pointed to the change in attitude and in legislation relating to the use of cannabis, in the United States.
He was speaking at the Jamaica Co-Operative Credit Union League 77th Annual General Meeting and Convention, held at the Hilton Rose Hall Hotel in Montego Bay, St. James on Friday.