Legalising medicinal cannabis ‘long overdue’

MARIJUANA should have been legalised in the country a long time ago for all its good intentions, says Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Dr Ram Raju.

Responding to the recent news that the Trade Ministry has entered a three-year partnership with Aether Pacific Pharmaceuticals Ltd, trading as Medical Kiwi, for the establishment of a medicinal cannabis industry in Fiji, Dr Raju said this has been long overdue.

“The merits far outweigh the demerits and this should be fast-tracked by the Coalition Government,” he said.

Dr Raju said there would be no demerits if the implementation and control are undertaken after thorough consultations with all the stakeholders.

“Industrial marijuana or hemp can be grown in all the areas that are frequently found to grow marijuana,” he said.

“We have the most fertile land and industrial hemp is known to grow relatively fast, and if it is grown and cultivated well, the plants can be harvested up to four times per year.”

Dr Raju said that medicinal cannabis has been introduced and legalised in many countries and it has been found to be a very useful drug for various illnesses.

“The World Conference of Family Doctors held in Sydney, Australia, last year, which was also attended by a number of doctors from Fiji, shed light on the use of cannabinoids or CBD.

“CBD is now a widely accepted and prescribed drug and there are numerous illnesses for its use.

“Industrial hemp can be a perfect alternative to the tobacco industry in Fiji.”

Dr Raju said the fast-growing marijuana could easily replace tobacco farms as well as many other agricultural areas.