Shape narrative, explain the difference - NGO
A NON-GOVERNMENTAL organisation involved in bringing renewal and transformation to the lives of prisoners and their communities in Fiji says understanding why the cannabis plant grown inside a fence is approved and the same plant grown by a cousin outside the village is illegal, would become a critical conversation.
Operation Foundation chief executive Peter Schultz made this comment while reacting to the cabinet’s decision to set up a cannabis industry in Fiji.
Speaking to this newspaper, Mr Schultz said the consultation process on this issue does not just end with approvals, regulatory frameworks, or legislation.
“How we shape the narrative and explain the differences between an informal and formal industry are essential areas for our children’s development of their attitudes and boundaries around drugs and their use,” he said.
He said it was important that people understand why the cannabis plant grown inside a fence was legal and the same plant grown by a villager on his farm was illegal.
“This conversation can strengthen our social systems and boundaries, or ridicule and weaken them.”
Mr Schultz said it would be wise to have a special levy applied to the formal cannabis industry to further drug awareness and education in our schools.
“Additionally, it would be wise to have legislation that seized the profits and assets of those involved in the illegal drug industry, with a percentage of those assets seized also applied to drug awareness, education, and rehabilitation.”
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said the 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 licence and adhere to the rules and regulations stipulated,” he said.
The cannabis industry will be set up by Aether Pacific Pharmaceuticals Ltd, 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 the Cabinet last week.
It is unknown now when the three-year agreement will be signed.