Pioneering Past and Bright of Impactful Research and Scholarly Achievements

“EXCELLENCE THROUGH KNOWLEDGE” P A G E 64 Editor’s Note: This article was prepared by the Corporate Communication Unit, Division of Advancement, Office of the President. of Health Sciences has continued to make steady progress in research on medical marijuana. He highlighted that among the significant progress made was a 25 year lease with the Government Chemist Department to provide additional laboratory space for the University’s researchers who are focusing on the development of pharmaceutical products, as well as the establishment of a specialized laboratory and high-tech indoor and outdoor greenhouse marijuana growing facility on the UTech, Jamaica Papine campus. Prof. Gyles emphasized that the University’s main interest will continue to be the medical and scientific aspects of marijuana research, rather than the recreational and sacramental use. The Acting President also noted that in keeping with the UTech, Jamaica community-based approach to development, the University has led extensive engagement with community-based farmers, individual growers and the pharmaceutical community. “We want to ensure that all communities that we engage in the research process will be empowered to sustain the gains made by the involvement of their citizens,” he said. Dr. Ellen Campbell-Grizzle, in her overview, provided an update on the community-based approach to development of medical marijuana research at the University. The Dean told the gathering that in considering the national agenda on the development of a lucrative marijuana industry, consideration was given to the University’s strengths and the gaps to be filled in offering solutions, even within the context of resource constraints. “We decided to use an integrated pathway, which incorporates the knowledge of academia and the wisdom of community,” she noted, adding that “in working with the communities we ensure that whatever they are producing is of the best quality and their potential for giving us standardized products is likely to be achieved.” Dr. Campbell- Grizzle also disclosed that the University was successful in its bid to receive a US $500,000 grant award fromSeeding Labs, USA which has been used to purchase some of the equipment to expand its marijuana plant testing. Dr. the Hon. Andrew Wheatley, MP, Minister of Science, Energy and Technology presents the renewed medical marijuana research licence to Prof. Colin Gyles, Acting President, University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech, Jamaica) at the opening ceremony for the 2nd Medical Marijuana Integration Day hosted by the College of Health Sciences on Friday, May 13, 2016 at the UTech, Jamaica Papine campus.