Call for more consultation on cannabis industry
A NON-GOVERNMENTAL Organisation has called on Government to have more consultations on the proposed establishment of the cannabis industry in Fiji.
Drug Free World founder Kalesi Volatabu believes Fiji is not ready for such an industry.
“I see how manufacturing for medicinal purposes can be economically of benefit for Fiji,” she said.
“At present we are certainly fighting a losing battle against drugs in this country.”
Ms Volatabu said we were certainly in a very serious and dangerous situation if this is the Government’s answer to cannabis cultivation and drug use in this country.
“For years we have not been successful in our fight against drugs, how can we continue to police, monitor and protect the people.”
She believes the demand for and use of marijuana in the country will increase.
“This could potentially increase overwhelming current dependency and addiction on cannabis, not just for health but also the misuse that will undoubtedly affect the wellbeing of our people, especially our young people,” she said.
“Marijuana use can lead to the use of more dangerous drugs like crystal meth, cocaine, and heroin.”
Ms Volatabu said the drug landscape in Fiji would get worse.
“We have already seen this chaos and destruction in Fiji, how much worse do we want it to be before any constructive changes are made.
“We keep hearing collaboration, holistic approach, so many promises but nothing tangible.
“I just pray that common sense will prevail for the sake of our beloved country.”
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said the proposed medical cannabis facility was aimed at eventually obtaining Good Manufacturing Practices certification for the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical markets.
“When the medical cannabis industry is established by law and policy in Fiji for cultivation and export, Medical Kiwi would still be required to apply for the appropriate license and adhere to the rules and regulations stipulated,” he said.
The cannabis industry will be set up by Aether Pacific Pharmaceuticals Limited, trading as Medical Kiwi.
It is a market leader in New Zealand in the cultivation and export of medicinal cannabis and cannabidiol to export markets using innovative science and technology.
They will sign a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Trade, as agreed by Cabinet last week.