The Natural History Museum of Jamaica (NHMJ) wants to set the record straight on cannabis – or ganja, to use the Jamaican term. There is much confusion, and also all kinds of myths and misconceptions, surrounding the plant. The NHMJ has assembled a formidable panel of experts, and the discussion will be moderated by its Chairman, Professor Ronald Young.
It is hoped that media representatives, bloggers, etc. will attend, so that they can spread the word and present the facts to the Jamaican public. Please share this information widely! Of course, members of the public are also invited and it is free of charge.
February 6, 2018
Natural History Museum of Jamaica – IOJ- JAMAICAN GANJA: SETTING the RECORD STRAIGHT
The Natural History Museum of Jamaica (NHMJ), a division of the Institute of Jamaica (IOJ), takes pleasure in inviting you to a Public Forum on ganja for media personnel, to be staged on February 26, 2018.
Jamaica has had a long and interesting history of unofficial as well as official involvement with the cannabis plant. In recent years there has been an upsurge of interest globally in the medicinal and recreational use of the plant, and this has stimulated a multi-billion dollar industry.
Given the surging interest and enthusiasm there have been claims, counterclaims and misinformation. The NHMJ firmly believes that the media has a critical role to play in setting the record straight and in the general education of listeners and readers.
It is in this regard that we are staging a Public Forum especially for the Media:
Title: CANNABIS – SETTING the RECORD STRAIGHT
Venue: PCJ Auditorium, Haughton Avenue, Kingston 10
Date: Monday, February 26, 2018
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Moderator: Professor Ronald Young
We have assembled a powerful lineup of knowledgeable speakers to cover the following areas:
- Wayne McLaughlin (CARITOX/UWI): Current Laboratory Research Findings on Jamaican Ganja
- Hawthorne Watson (Former Head of SRC): Pioneer Research and Government’s Involvement Starting in the 1960’s
- Lilyclaire Bellamy (JIPO): IPR Issues and Challenges
- Kathie Lennon (GGPA): Farming Practices, Strains and the UN Alternate Development Programme for Ganja in Jamaica
- Professor Wendel Abel: A Psychiatrist’s Perspective
- Lisa Dawes: Pioneering work at a Rural Hospital
- Cannabis Licensing Authority: Licensing Status and Issues
In addition we have invited other resource personnel from the Ganja Growers and Producers Association (GGPA) and the Cannabis Commercial Council as well as recipients of Provisional Licences to participate.
Each panelist will be allowed a seven-minute presentation. A “Question and Answer Session” is scheduled to take place after all presentations have been concluded.
We look forward to your affirmative response as together we seek to set the record straight and advance the interest of Jamaicans.
FREE ADMISSION
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General Contact information: Mrs. Tracy Commock, Director – Natural History Museum of Jamaica (NHMJ); e-mail: info@nhmj-ioj.org.jm, Phone: (876)948-8116 / (876) 922-0620/6
Petchary's Blog 
This will surely be a great gathering, and all will leave w/more knowledge/details than when it started… I hope that it’s well supported by all.
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I hope it will be a good gathering too. It should be well supported. People need to get the facts…
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It’s baffling how people can overlook the dangers of things like too much salt, sugar, or of msg and aspartame while finding fault with natural medicines, wholesome options…
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Yes, people seem to ignore the dangers of what they consume daily…
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