The Medicinal Cannabis (R)evolution

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7.0 POLICY CONSIDERATIONS

Recognising the complex and dynamic environment of the nascent medicinal cannabis industry, the report identifies a number of key policy recommendations for the consideration of policy- makers in the development of the industry in the ECCU. The key policy considerations are summarized below: • Member countries that have introduced, and are considering introducing legislation for medicinal cannabis should seek to broaden the industry’s benefits beyond the primary cultivation sector. While the agricultural sector is expected to benefit from this industry, it will also be useful to develop a comprehensive strategy for development of the entire supply chain for medicinal cannabis - by creating linkages in agriculture, but also expanding into manufacturing, research, distribution and ancillary activities that cater to the burgeoning industry. • Many proponents of the industry are concerned that the industry may soon be dominated by large corporate and foreign interests. The potential dominance by large-scale farmers suggest that the regulatory framework should provide the necessary incentives to ensure that small-scale farmers benefit from the emerging industry. • The report notes the benefits of the need to develop the export sector. It is noted that export/trade options regarding medicinal cannabis or derivatives of medicinal cannabis requires the establishment of an appropriate quality and standards framework. It is noted that quality and standards framework can be complex and rigorous, as countries are obligated to meet the requirements under the guidelines of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), among others. The GMP’s core objectives