The Tribune

By YOURI KEMP

Tribune Business Reporter

ykemp@tribunemedia.net

A Cabinet minister yesterday said the Government is moving forward with zoning regulations to facilitate the cultivation of medical marijuana and industrial hemp.

Michael Pintard, minister for agriculture and marine resources, addressing the House of Assembly during the mid-year budget debate, said he was also focused on “non-food items that are important"as he pledged that Bahamians will be at the “front of the line".

Pointing specifically to the Bahamas' medical marijuana prospects, he said: “You have heard us talk about the potential in industrial hemp, being careful that there isn't cross contamination between industrial and any other hams that may eventually become legal. So zoning is going to be important here.

"The Marijuana Commission is in the Prime Minister's Office. The Prime Minister is going to determine ultimately who has carriage for that. The Ministry of Agriculture was asked on several occasions to interview groups that were looking at both cannabis as well as industrial hemp, and we’ve been in a number of discussions.”

Mr Pintard affirmed that Bahamians will be at “the front of the line” on any cannabis business or production in the country. But some marijuana cultivation proponents, such as Terry Miller, chairman of the Bahamas Cannabis Research Institute (BACARI), have articulated their displeasure at not being involved in the discussions or announcements around marijuana production.

Mr Miller has called for a “clearer path” on marijuana legislation development, while arguing that hemp cultivation should be more of a focus compared to legalising marijuana for personal use. He said hemp can be more widely used for various products and industrial development.

Mr Pintard said that in the event marijuana legalisation comes “online”, it “will be an indigenous business and foreigners can participate as strategic partners, but certainly minority partners in Bahamian companies". He added: “We believe that all Bahamians should be entitled to opportunities that exist.