Voices Magazine

13 August 2018 | VOICES Bi-Monthly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica UTech, Jamaica Hosts 3 rd Jamaican Medical Cannabis Integration Symposium (JAMECANN 2018) Dr. Cliff Riley, Executive Director, Scientific Research Council (SRC) delivers the keynote address at the Opening Ceremony of the 3rd Jamaican Medical Cannabis Integration Symposium (JAMECANN 2018) on July 5, 2018 at the Shared Facilities Building, UTech, Jamaica Papine Campus. T he University of Technology, Jamaica through its College of Health Sciences hosted the 3rd Jamaican Medical Cannabis Integration Symposium (JAMECANN 2018) from July 5 to 6, 2018 at the Papine Campus under the theme, “Merging Science, Spirit and Business.” The two-day symposium showcased advances that have been made in the Jamaican and international medical cannabis sector. The symposium comprised eight scientific sessions with themes including medical Cannabis product innovation, standardization through Cannabis testing and the business of Cannabis. Speakers at the opening ceremony includedTheHonourableAudley Shaw,CD, MP, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Agriculture and Fisheries, Mr.Alando Terrelonge,MinisterofState,MinistryofCulture,GenderAffairs,Entertainment and Sport, Dr. Janet Campbell-Shelly, Dean, College of Health Sciences, Mr. Lincoln Allen, CEO, Cannabis Licensing Authority, Dr. Ellen Campbell- Grizzle, Associate Professor, COHS and Symposium Convener and keynote speaker Dr. Cliff Riley, Executive Director, Scientific Research Council (SRC). ‘Committed to the Development of the Cannabis Industry’ – Minister Shaw The Hon. Audley Shaw in his address commended UTech, Jamaica for organising the Cannabis Integration symposium and pointed to the importance of partnership with academia in developing Jamaica’s Cannabis industry. “UTech has a history of being a trailblazer for our country, with your commitment to moulding of young, brilliant minds into scientific leaders to create a better Jamaica today and a brighter future for tomorrow,” he said. Minister Shaw affirmed the Government’s commitment to providing leadership in mobilising the requisite resources and personnel for the development and success of the medical cannabis industry. Dr. Riley Urges Standardisation of Marijuana In his keynote address, SRC Executive Director, Dr. Cliff Riley pointed to lack of adequate research on marijuana. He urged a change in attitude and a collective drive towards standards in the medical marijuana industry. “We can’t keep telling the world that we have the best ganja,” he lamented. “We must understand it; we must standardise it,” he stressed, pointing to the imperative for scientific standards in advancing medical marijuana research to treat conditions such as autism, glaucoma and asthma. Sponsors of JAMECANN 2018 were Medical Cannabis Angel Group, CannaCure Corporation, Canamo Jamaica Ltd., De La Enzie Essentials, Perishables Jamaica Limited and Green Roads Corporation. Dr. Janet Campbell-Shelly, Dean, College of Health Sciences presents Ministers the Hon. Audley Shaw (left) and the Hon. Alando Terrelonge each with a gift of a sample of a concrete block made from hemp by UTech, Jamaica engineering students.