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<p>Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture
and Fisheries Audley Shaw is to deliver this year’s Caribbean International
Network (CIN) Lecture in New York on Jamaica’s ganja industry.</p>
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<p>The annual event will take place on Wednesday, October 16, at Harlem’s Schomburg Centre for Research in Black Culture in New York at 7:00 pm.</p>
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<p>Shaw’s address will be entitled: “<strong><em>The
Search for Green Gold… Marijuana</em></strong>”.</p>
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<p>Speaking about the ganja industry, which
many expect to net the country and local players billions of dollars from
expected revenue, Shaw contends that the island is still poised to be a major world
leader in cannabis.</p>
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<p>“Jamaica is uniquely positioned to be a
global player and we are committed to providing the leadership and resources
required for opening the international markets, including Canada and Europe for
our licensed and regulated Jamaican companies,” he said.</p>
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<p>At this point in time, the ganja industry is mandated to be centered on medicinal, scientific and therapeutic usage only. </p>
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<p>The issue of banking revenue from it
remains vexing with many people unaware of both local and international
restrictions.</p>
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<p>CEO of Itopia Life, Blaine Dowdle values
Jamaica’s ganja industry at around US$219 million.</p>
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<p> “The lecture series has been an annual showcase of the Caribbean regions best and brightest, thinkers, entrepreneurs, statesmen, artists, and three former Prime Ministers,” said CEO of CIN, Stephen Hill.</p>
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<p>“These renowned individuals have presented
challenging and eye-opening talks before a large and engaging audience.
Continuing in that tradition, this year’s topic is both timely and
controversial,” Hill added.</p>
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<p>USE PIC OF SOMEONE SMOKING A SPLIFF WITH
PLUMES OF SMOKE IN THE AIR.
Then Audley, then Stephen</p>
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