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Health Minister urges WHO to classify cannabis as plant with medicinal use

Minister of  Health, Dr. Christopher Tufton, has called for the World Health Organisation, WHO, to remove cannabis from its current classification as a Schedule One or illegal drug, deemed to have no medicinal benefits. He wants it added to a Schedule which reflects its potential for medicinal use.       
  
The Health Minister says removing cannabis from its current classification, is an important step in facilitating efforts by countries like Jamaica to promote its medicinal uses.
 
Dr. Tufton presented his position while addressing the 70th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland on Wednesday.
 
His recommendations come amidst the WHO’s, Expert Committee on Drug Dependence review of the medicinal value of cannabis.
 
The Minister, who maintains that there are medicinal and economic benefits to be derived from cannabis, has also urged the WHO to be more assertive in distinguishing between the medicinal and recreational dimensions in the interest of public health.
 
He asked the WHO to provide clear leadership on the public health approach to the development of new policies on cannabis now being advanced in many countries.
                                                                          
In response, the Ganja Future Growers Producers Association has expressed hope that the WHO will accept Jamaica's recommendation.
 
Chairman of the Association, Orville Silvera, says this would alleviate some of the problems hampering the development of the local cannabis industry, including a relationship with the banking sector.
 


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