Jamaica wants to become world leader in medical ganja

By Michelle Nurse Last updated May 18, 2015

Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Hon. Phillip Paulwell (centre), looks at ganja seedlings on display at the University of Technology’s (UTech) Medical Marijuana Integration Day, held today (May 14), at the institution’s Papine campus in St. Andrew. Others looking on are: UTech’s Acting President, Ambassador Burchell Whiteman (right); Co-Chief Executive Officer at BioTrack THC, Patrick Vo (2nd right); and international reggae artist Roy “Gramps” Morgan. The Minister presented a Ganja Research. (Photo via Jamaica News) — Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Hon. Phillip Paulwell (centre), looks at ganja seedlings on display at the University of Technology’s (UTech) Medical Marijuana Integration Day, held today (May 14), at the institution’s Papine campus in St. Andrew. Others looking on are: UTech’s Acting President, Ambassador Burchell Whiteman (right); Co-Chief Executive Officer at BioTrack THC, Patrick Vo (2nd right); and international reggae artist Roy “Gramps” Morgan. (Photo via Jamaica News)

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Hon. Phillip Paulwell, says the Government is seeking to make Jamaica a world leader on the medical uses of ganja.

He said that ganja is one of the most researched herbs and evidence is pointing to a significant number of medical benefits from its active ingredient, cannabinoids.

“There is now convincing data and evidence to support beneficial effects in relation to glaucoma, epilepsy, eating disorders and several more conditions, especially those affecting the nervous system,” Minister Paulwell said.